At-Home Testing Unlocks Genetic Secrets of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Paving Way for Personalized Treatments
NEW YORK, NY – Researchers are gaining unprecedented insight into the complexities of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a novel at-home testing method, potentially revolutionizing treatment strategies for the more than 1.5 million Americans and 18 million people worldwide living with the debilitating autoimmune disease. The breakthrough, led by physician-scientist Dana Orange at Rockefeller University, utilizes a simple finger-prick RNA sequencing test to monitor gene expression changes in patients, even during symptom flares that often prevent in-person research participation.
Rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by the bodyS immune system attacking the lining of joints, currently has no cure. Existing treatments are frequently enough ineffective for many patients,and understanding the underlying mechanisms driving the disease has been hampered by the difficulty of consistent patient monitoring. Orange’s research addresses this challenge directly, identifying hundreds of gene expression changes that precede flare-ups – offering a critical window for proactive intervention and the growth of targeted therapies. This work not only promises more effective RA treatments but also holds potential for understanding and addressing related conditions like osteoarthritis.
Dana Orange,who splits her time between research in the Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology at Rockefeller university and patient care at the Hospital for Special Surgery,developed the at-home testing method after recognizing the limitations RA imposed on her patients’ ability to participate in traditional studies. “People with rheumatoid arthritis often have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, let alone getting to the rheumatologist for a checkup or participating in a research study,” she notes.
The research has already revealed key reasons why common medications fail for some RA sufferers and uncovered a surprising link between dental health and the disease. By pinpointing these genetic changes before symptoms manifest, researchers hope to predict flares, identify precise drug targets, and ultimately, enable interventions that prevent the onset of pain and swelling. Orange, an associate professor of clinical investigation at Rockefeller University, believes this approach could usher in an era of personalized medicine for RA, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles.
Source: Rockefeller University – https://www.rockefeller.edu/news/38188-these-genetic-insights-into-rheumatoid-arthritis-could-help-design-better-treatments/
