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Research labs focus on gene control of lupus Lupus is one of the most common rheumatic diseases that affect children, and Gary Gilkeson, M.D., professor of medicine and vice chair of the Department of Medicine, is determined to find help for those who suffer from it.   One of two rheumatic diseases labs in the Darby Children’s Research Institute, (DCRI), Gilkeson’s lab supports the clinical work of the state’s only pediatric rheumatologists, Richard Silver, M.D., and Natasha Ruth, M.D.   The lab encompasses three major focuses with the principal goal of controlling the gene expression of lupus, and aims to identify genetic targets that could be used as treatment.   “Our research primarily revolves around determining the genetic control of lupus,” he said. “This is especially promising in children who have a higher genetic influence than adults.”   Though still in the development stage, this genetic regulation research seems poised for success, Gilkeson said. Assistant professor Tammy Nowling, M.D., is the principal investigator in this aspect of the lab’s endeavors.   Within sight of human trials is the lab’s work with Steve Tomlinson, Ph.D., who developed inhibitors of the complement pathway. “This is an important mediator of inflammation, tissue damage and organ damage, so being able to inhibit it has important consequences,” Gilkeson explained.   Tomlinson’s and Gilkeson’s labs have used these inhibitors to successfully treat strains of mice that developed lupus-like diseases.   “We’re developing similar agents to take into human trials,” Gilkeson said. He and fellow researchers expect these complement inhibitors agents to become applicable in effectively treating a variety of childhood inflammatory diseases, including asthma, lupus and childhood arthritis.   The lab’s third area of focus is the genetic control of immune deficiencies. “This research focuses on children who don’t have enough antibodies, and who have IgA deficiency or combined variable immune deficiency (CVID),” Gilkeson said. “We’ve identified the gene that causes this problem in mice…This genetic identification will allow us to determine what interventions will treat or cure this deficiency.”   Around the corner are new research and collaborations with new recruit Ruth, which will include the study of cognitive dysfunction in children with lupus.   Gilkeson’s lab also is busy with other rheumatic studies involving children. These research projects include the study of lupus within the Gullah population; clinical trials of new therapies that involve teens with lupus; and early screening programs for lupus in Charleston County’s predominantly African-American high schools.   “The hope is that we’ll be able to diagnose and treat these teens early in the disease process before there is organ damage,” Gilkeson said.     Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.