An Integrated Single-Cell and Spatial-Transcriptomic Analysis of Synovial Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis
Grantee: Ryan Malcolm Hum, MBChB, MRCP(UK)
Institution: University of Manchester
Grant Mechanism: Psoriatic Disease Research Fellowship
Funding Amount: $49,710
Project Start Date: July 1, 2024
Project End Date: June 30, 2025
Status: Active
Keywords: Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriasis, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Gene Expression, Multi-omics Immunology
Project Summary:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, impacts roughly one-third of individuals with psoriasis and leads to significant health challenges when left untreated. Despite available treatments, as many as half of patients still experience ongoing inflammation. Therefore, there's a critical need for research to better understand and treat this condition. My project involves gathering tissue, fluid, and blood samples from PsA patients with inflamed joints detected through ultrasound. Using the latest technologies called CITE-seq and spatial transcriptomics, I will analyze these samples at the single-cell level to identify specific cell populations and new targets for therapy and markers to monitor disease activity.
How will your project help improve the lives of the 125 million affected by psoriatic disease?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects about a third of patients with psoriasis. My project will create the most comprehensive single-cell atlas, be the first spatial transcriptomic study, and will identify key cell populations and cellular interactions mediating joint inflammation in PsA. Results will enhance our understanding of the PsA joint microenvironment and pinpoint novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected.
Why is psoriatic disease research important to you, personally? What role will this award play in your research efforts or career development?
My grandfather and mother have suffered from psoriatic disease. Whilst great advances in therapeutics and our understanding of disease pathogenesis have been made, there remains huge unmet clinical need and gaps in our understanding of these diseases. The National Psoriasis Foundation fellowship would provide funding necessary for me to carry out my proposed project, which would assist me in advancing my short to medium-term career goals of receiving world-class training in research methods including single cell and spatial transcriptomics, applying this training to complete my Ph.D. with a focus on psoriatic disease; and to position me strongly for future fellowships asI work towards research independence.
Researcher Profile:
Dr Ryan Malcolm Hum is currently a Wellcome Trust 4Ward North Clinical PhD Fellow & Speciality Registrar in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine based within the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research at The University of Manchester. The title of his PhD is “An integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomic study of synovial inflammation in psoriatic arthritis” and will identify the driving cell types and interactions which cause inflammation in psoriatic arthritis so that novel therapeutics can be developed which can get more patients into lasting remission.