Pediatric Rheumatology Research IDEA Lab
Identifying Targets of Antinuclear Antibodies in Childhood Arthritis
Towards Improved Diagnosis, Classification, and Understanding of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Innovation
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA; the word 'idiopathic ' means the cause is unknown) is the most common class of childhood rheumatic diseases. Children with certain types of JIA frequently have antibodies directed toward antigenic targets located in the nucleus of cells. However, the precise target or targets for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in JIA are mostly unknown. IDEA Lab research is developing experiments that could use novel techniques, such as spinning disc confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron imaging, to better identify the targets for antibodies and their localization within the cell during different stages of the cell cycle.
Discovery
IDEA Lab research has demonstrated in JIA that ANA often targets constituents of chromatin including histones either in isolation of in histone-histone and histone-DNA complexes. In addition, we have studied high mobility group box 1 protein as both an internuclear and extranuclear antibody target in JIA. The IDEA Lab is also exploring ANA targets in JIA children with associated eye inflammation (uveitis).
Engagement
The IDEA Lab is grateful for the many local, national, and international collaborators who have and continue to support ANA research and patient participants. This work has been supported by The Arthritis Society Canada , The Kehrig Family Fund, The Wiebe Family Fund, and the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
Action
We believe that defining the precise targets of ANA in JIA will provide important biomarkers that will aid in diagnosing, classifying, and treating children with JIA. We envision developing point-of-care ANA test kits to enhance patient care.