Discipline: Molecular Rheumatology

Monocyte development signature in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis

PhD Student: Seán Dixon Supervisor: Dr Viviana Marzaioli Funding: Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-Irish Cancer Society (ICS)

Overview of Project: Inflammatory arthritis (IA), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), are autoimmune disorders which affect the joints. The pathogenesis of RA and PsA involve a multi-faceted network of cytokines and cellular interactions which influence inflammation and disease progression. Although the two diseases have many common manifestations, their pathogenesis at cellular and molecular level are often different, with studies usually restricted to histopathological methods on the synovium, which often fails to give a detailed understanding on how the diseases work. Recently, the group have identified differences in the activation, differentiation status and function of monocytes in RA and PsA patients, both in the circulation and at the site of inflammation, which may have an impact in disease progression and therapeutic response. This project will investigate distinct molecular signatures of monocyte development in both RA and PsA, as well as the impact of the joint micro-environment on monocyte signature, employing various high throughput technologies, including RNAseq, 2D/3D cell culture methods, flow cytometry, and epigenetic studies.

Long-term impact of project: To develop a novel understanding of the innate immune contribution to the differential pathogenesis of RA and PsA, for the identification of new disease markers and drug-candidates for the treatment of RA, PsA and possibly other autoimmune diseases.

PhD Candidate Quote : “You should never be ashamed to admit you have been wrong. It only proves you are wiser today than yesterday.”