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IRB No. 22-255-2 (Dr. Zhichao Fan, PI): Mechanisms and Roles of Integrin Activation of Cystic Fibrosis Leukocytes

The immune system is the body';s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Integrins are key mediators in immunity for the recruitment of white cells which play critical roles in inflammatory diseases. Insights about Integrin function hold out the prospect of improved disease prevention and drug discovery. Integrin molecules stick to body surfaces or cells. They are vital to the successful functioning of the inflammatory response at the source of an insult. In response to inflammation or infection, white cells stick to nearby blood vessels and then crawl along the surface until they can squeeze out of the blood vessel into tissues where they must act. Studying and super imaging these mechanisms and the roles of integrin during this activation will bring new insights about leukocyte recruitment and leukocyte immune functions as well as invite discovery of novel treatments for infectious and inflammatory diseases. This project is investigating how integrins may also affect blood vessels as commonly seen in human heart disease.

IRB No. 26-250J-1 (Dr. Santhanam Lakshminarayanan, PI): Understanding Glucose Metabolism in the Development and Treatment of Lupus

What Are We Studying? This study aims to better understand the changes that occur in the blood of people with and without lupus, and how different lupus treatments may influence these changes. You do not need to have lupus to be eligible to participate in this study. This may help identify new therapy targets that may reverse lupus. No study drugs will be given to any participants in this study. What Does Participation Involve? Participants enrolled in the study will be scheduled for a single one-hour study visit at UConn Health, Farmington, CT to answer questions about medical history and medications along with having a blood sample collected. Will I be Compensated? All study procedures performed will be at no charge and you will receive a $50 gift card to compensate for your participation.