The Integrative Studies of Genetic and Environmental Factors in Systemic Sclerosis
Abstract
This project aims to study interactions between genetic and environmental factors in a viable system - human fibroblasts. Fibroblasts obtained from scleroderma (SSc) patients have a profibrotic nature that suggests a possibility of a dysregulation of biological function in the cells. On the other hand, SSc occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. A SSc susceptible genetic background may be more vulnerable to environmental triggers, such as silica a potential SSc trigger. Studies of biological functions of fibroblasts with and without SSc susceptible backgrounds in response to potential environmental triggers will provide a great opportunity to understand etiopathogenesis of SSc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA586843
Entities
People
- Xiaodong Zhou
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston