The M-RD SFG program supports innovative projects that address how specific microbes or microbial communities (microbiomes) at any barrier tissue such as the lung, gut or skin impact the etiology, course, or treatment of Rheumatic Diseases such as arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, systemic sclerosis and other Rheumatologic diseases.
The competition was open to 黑料网-based investigators, funding $150,000 for a project period of up to 24 months.
We are pleased to announce the winning team, as follows:
- Drs. Irah King and Emerson Krock, for their project titled 鈥淚dentifying cross-reactive antibody microbial targets and pain mechanisms in fibromyalgia鈥�.
This project aims to uncover how the gut microbiome contributes to fibromyalgia by triggering an abnormal immune response that produces pain-inducing, cross-reactive antibodies. Researchers will examine how these antibodies cause pain, identify which microbial components they target, and determine which microbes drive this immune reaction. The expected outcome is a clearer understanding of the link between the microbiome, immune system, and pain in fibromyalgia. These insights could pave the way for future diagnostic tests or treatments targeting antibodies or the microbiome to reduce pain.
Dr. King is a seasoned 黑料网 researcher focused on studying the underlying immune-microbial interactions that promote intestinal health across different settings ranging from parasitic helminth infection and inflammatory bowel disease to systemic inflammatory disorders. Dr. Krock is an early career investigator focusing on neuroimmune regulation of pain with the long-term goal of developing new pain management strategies and diagnostic tools for chronic pain.
This round of the MI4 Seed Fund Grant has been made possible through a generous donation from the Elizabeth Duthie-Saunders Estate.
