Exploring the Impact of Immune-Mediated Lipolysis on the Pathophysiology of Psoriasis
Principal Investigator: Monika Bambouskova, Ph.D.
Institution: Washington University in St.Louis
Grant Mechanism: Discovery Grant
Funding Amount: $75,000
Project Start Date: August 1, 2024
Project End Date: July 31, 2025
Status: Active
Keywords: Comorbidity, Psoriasis, Immunology, Metabolic Diseases, Inflammation, Diet, Cell Signaling
Project Summary:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition with severe impact of human life. The increasing incidence of obesity, a major health concern worldwide, is closely linked to a higher risk of developing psoriasis. Importantly, being obese can make standard anti-inflammatory treatments for psoriasis less effective. Our research focuses on how the body's metabolism works together with the immune system and our preliminary data suggest a novel connection between lipid metabolism and psoriasis. In this proposal, we aim to explore the contribution of immune-regulated fat breakdown to how psoriasis starts and how severe it becomes, especially in people dealing with obesity.
How will your project help improve the lives of the 125 million affected by psoriatic disease?
Our research is dedicated to studying the basic molecular mechanisms of link between obesity and psoriasis which is poorly understood. This project will lay a groundwork for future detailed mechanistic studies of the proposed connection between lipid metabolism and psoriasis which will deepen our understanding of the psoriatic pathology in general. We recognize the critical link between obesity, a pervasive global health issue, and the heightened risk of psoriasis development, profoundly impacting people's lives and diminishing the effectiveness of standard anti-inflammatory treatments. This research direction holds significant promise of unveiling novel approaches to treat psoriasis, particularly in those with concurrent obesity.
Why is psoriatic disease research important to you, personally? What role will this award play in your research efforts or career development?
Psoriatic disease research addresses a condition that impacts millions of individuals globally, causing not only physical discomfort but also significant psychological and social challenges. Understanding and improving treatments for psoriasis can dramatically enhance the quality of life for those affected. My interest in immunometabolism drives me to explore how metabolic processes influence immune cell behavior in psoriasis, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic approaches that target both the immune and metabolic aspects of the condition.
Researcher Profile:
Dr. Bambouskova obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She completed her thesis at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, focusing on molecular processes leading to the activation of immune cells in allergies. She then pursued postdoctoral studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied metabolic processes regulating activation of macrophages. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at the Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis. The research in her laboratory focuses on the signaling function of metabolites and the interplay between metabolic pathways and signaling in immune cells, particularly in the context of inflammatory diseases.