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Research

The Northwestern Scleroderma Program pursues a broad range of investigations related to scleroderma. The goal of these studies is to gain an understanding of the course and natural history of scleroderma and its complications, in order to discover and develop novel treatments.

Research Highlights

Following are overviews of the reseach we do at the Northwestern Scleroderma Program. We approach our research from multiple directions and through various areas of specialty. For more specific information, see our list of studies currently open to enrollment.

 Scleroderma Biomarker Studies

Several of our studies aim to discover new and accurate ways to classify the disease, identify patients who are at high risk of complications such as kidney, lung, or heart involvement, and predict how patients may respond to specific treatments. This approach, often called "personalized medicine," relies on detailed evaluation of the proteins and molecules present in blood samples or in skin biopsies.

 Risk Factors for Pulmonary Hypertension

In another multi-center project, we are looking at factors that identify patients with scleroderma who might be developing pulmonary hypertension. It is thought that early recognition would allow early intervention, more effective control of symptoms, and prevention of progressive complications.

 Scleroderma Genetic Studies

Yet other studies involve examination of your genetic structure in order to pinpoint genes or genetic regions that might be predisposing to the development of scleroderma or its specific complications. It is hoped that these studies will lead us to the discovery of patterns of proteins or genes whose presence allows your doctor to select the most effective and safest treatment for your condition.

 Scleroderma Clinical Trials

Innovative treatments for many complications of scleroderma are evaluated in clinical trials. Current trials include treatments to prevent or control finger ulcers, skin tightening, pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, and unintentional weight loss associated with scleroderma.

 Drug Discovery

Much of our on-going research focuses on the discovery and validation of novel targets for the treatment of scleroderma. By analyzing skin biopsies, blood cells, serum, RNA and genetic material from scleroderma patients and healthy controls, we identify proteins and pathways that are present at abnormal levels, or show disordered function, in people with scleroderma. We then characterize these alterations, and using already-existing drugs, or novel compounds, determine if modulating these alterations is beneficial for the disease process.

These "translational" studies combine cell-based experiments with studies using models of human skin, and in normal and genetically-engineered mice. Once we gain a handle on whether such interventions can halt the disease process in "pre-clinical models", we partner with collaborators, including those from the pharma and biotech industry, to develop them into treatments for scleroderma. We aim to move our laboratory discoveries into the clinic. Seamless and efficient integration of laboratory and clinical research requires the coordinated efforts of teams of scientists with expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, genetics, informatics, and clinical trials. The Northwestern Scleroderma Program brings together such individuals working toward a shared goal of improving the treatment and prevention of scleroderma.

Our Collaborators

We collaborate with other scleroderma research institutions throughout the United States. Our shared knowledge allows us to serve society with more effective treatments and move faster toward a cure. Learn more about our partners' work via the links below.

Clinical Research Team

Mary Carns, MS

Mary Carns, MS

Manager of Clinical Research Programs, Rheumatology

As the Manager of Clinical Research Programs, Mary oversees all aspects of clinical research study initiation, participant recruitment, and data and specimen collection. Mary manages the collection of all clinical data, prepares study documents, assists in dissemination of findings by contributing to publications and presentations, and works with internal and external collaborators to plan and develop research projects. Originally from Rochester, MN, Mary obtained her master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her bachelor's degree in Biology and Sociology/Anthropology from Knox College.

Kathleen Dennis-Aren, MPH

Kathleen Dennis-Aren, MPH

Assistant Manager of Clinical Research Programs, Rheumatology

As the Assistant Manager of Clinical Research Programs, Kathleen develops and manages clinical databases, ensures regulatory compliance, assists in dissemination of findings by contributing to publications and presentations, screens patients for study eligibility, informs prospective participants about current studies, obtains consent, and coordinates the collection of blood and skin biopsy samples for scleroderma research. Kathleen obtained her master's degree in Public Health from Des Moines University and her bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from Spring Arbor University in Michigan.

Michael Oxendine-Burns, MS

Michael Oxendine-Burns, MS

Research Project Coordinator

As Research Project Coordinator, Michael informs prospective participants about current studies, obtains consent, coordinates the collection of blood, skin biopsy, lung fluid, and esophageal biopsy samples, processes specimens, orders supplies, and collects clinical and demographic data for scleroderma research. Michael obtained his master's degree in Biology from Saint Louis University and his bachelor's in Biology from Appalachian State University. Michael is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Isaac Goldberg, BA

Isaac Goldberg, BA

Research Study Coordinator

As Research Study Coordinator, Isaac informs prospective participants about current studies, obtains consent, coordinates the collection of blood, skin biopsy, and esophageal biopsy samples, processes specimens, and collects clinical and demographic data for scleroderma research. Isaac obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from George Washington University.