Research
The research activities of the Division encompass basic and clinical investigations in the areas of spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Researchers in our division have been instrumental in defining the genetic basis of spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis) and systemic sclerosis. The presence of large observational cohorts of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (PSOAS cohort) and systemic sclerosis (GENISOS cohort) has enabled clinically relevant translational research in these diseases. Our researchers have extensive experience in linking large-scale gene expression and proteomic data to clinical outcomes of these cohorts. Moreover, our group is conducting several translational studies utilizing murine models and in-vitro assays to elucidate the functional relevance of discovered molecular signatures. There are also ongoing clinical trials for development of new treatments in several rheumatic diseases. In fact, our clinical researchers have been involved in most of the important clinical trials in spondyloarthritis and systemic sclerosis.