Translational/Basic Science Projects

Pediatric Rheumatic Disease: Clinical and Molecular Studies
This is a corollary study to Determinants of Susceptibility and Severity in Systemic Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, and is designed to evaluate associations between clinical and laboratory data including cytokine profiles and other molecular studies. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RNA microarray technologies are being utilized to help with these evaluations.
Primary Investigators: Elizabeth Mellins and Christy Sandborg
Contact: Elizabeth Mellins
SLE genomics: Genetics of Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This is an NIH-sponsored study designed to understand the role of genetics in the development of pediatric SLE by collecting and evaluating blood samples from patients and their family members.
Investigator: Christy Sandborg and Elizabeth Mellins
Contact: Elizabeth Mellins
Proteomic Analyses of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This project uses novel protein microarray technologist to evaluate the autoantibody responses of patients with pediatric SLE.
Investigators: Imelda Balboni, Christy Sandborg, and Paul J Utz
Contact: Imelda Balboni