New research by Lupus Foundation of America Gina M. Finzi Memorial Fellowship Awardee Kristen Bricker reveals new clues about lupus disease development and possible future treatment approaches. Her research finds that a specific fragment of ribonucleic acid (RNA) – a molecule responsible for coding, decoding, regulating and expressing genes – may be driving lupus-like disease in mice. This RNA fragment, known as microRNA, appears to trigger the production of self-attacking white blood cells and inflammation.

Anti-microRNA therapies are currently being studied for the treatment of cancer, and clinical drug trials for people with lupus are needed. These findings will support future research exploring the potential role of microRNA in lupus disease and anti-microRNA drug development for lupus treatment. Learn more about Bricker and her research efforts.