Systemic sclerosis at the cellular level: molecular pathways of pathogenesis and its implication on future drug

S W Schulz1, C T Derk

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University, 613 Curtis Bldg, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|September 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Endothelial cell abnormalities are key in Systemic Sclerosis, potentially initiating the disease. Understanding these microvasculature effects can lead to better treatments for Systemic Sclerosis and fibrotic disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Rheumatology
  • Fibrotic Diseases

Background:

  • Endothelial cell dysfunction is central to Systemic Sclerosis pathogenesis.
  • Abnormalities in microvasculature are observed in Systemic Sclerosis patients.
  • These vascular changes may be an early event in disease initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of endothelial cell abnormalities in Systemic Sclerosis.
  • To improve understanding of Systemic Sclerosis pathophysiology, particularly vasculopathy.
  • To identify targets for novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • This study focuses on the pathogenetic mechanisms of Systemic Sclerosis.
  • Investigates the impact of endothelial cell abnormalities on microvasculature.
  • Literature review and analysis of current research on Systemic Sclerosis vasculopathy.

Main Results:

  • Endothelial cell abnormalities are a critical factor in Systemic Sclerosis development.
  • The microvasculature is significantly affected by these cellular changes.
  • These findings highlight the vascular component as a potential initiator of the disease.

Conclusions:

  • A deeper understanding of endothelial cell and microvasculature interactions is crucial for Systemic Sclerosis.
  • This knowledge can advance treatment options for Systemic Sclerosis.
  • Potential for developing new therapies for Systemic Sclerosis and other fibrotic conditions.

Related Concept Videos

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
iPS Cell Differentiation01:22

iPS Cell Differentiation

The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.