Grant: Operating Grant: Industry-partnered Collaborative Research - Other Partner

Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disease that is characterized by defective immune system function, blood vessel damage and scarring (fibrosis) of the skin and internal organs. Fibrosis is a prominent feature of SSc and involves excessive production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to disruption of the tissue structure and eventually organ failure. Fibrosis has a significant impact on the quality of life and is the main cause of death in SSc. Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-beta) is produced by most cells of the body and is important for the maintenance of healthy tissues. Abnormal TGF-beta action is thought to be involved in many fibrotic disorders including SSc. Our research goals are to understand the biology of TGF-beta in human skin cells and to uncover how deregulated TGF-beta action is involved in SSc fibrosis. The proposed research may lead to the development of new therapies for the treatment of this disease.