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Modeling Hidradenitis Suppurativa: linking genetic susceptibility loci to disease pathogenesis

Award Number: R21AR086409
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/15/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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Modeling Hidradenitis Suppurativa: linking genetic susceptibility loci to disease pathogenesis - Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting ~1–4% of the population, characterized by inflamed nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging tunnels in the axillary, inguinal, gluteal, and perianal regions. HS profoundly impairs quality of life and is associated with systemic comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression. Despite its impact, the pathogenesis of HS remains poorly understood, limiting effective treatment options. HS has a strong genetic basis, with heritability estimates as high as 80%. Recent GWAS and meta-analyses have identified KLF5 and SOX9 as risk factors. While their causal roles remain unclear, both genes are closely linked to hair follicle biology, underscoring the central role of this structure in disease. The goal of this proposal is to define the causal roles of HS-associated genes in pathogenesis. Our single- cell RNA-sequence data show increased KLF5 and SOX9 expression in keratinocytes (KCs) from HS lesional skin, with immunohistochemistry confirming higher protein levels in affected hair follicles and tunnels. Whether these increases directly contribute to disease is unknown, a fundamental gap this project aims to address. We will use mouse molecular genetics, lentiviral delivery, human KC bioassays, and RNA sequencing to test the hypothesis that synchronized upregulation of KLF5 and SOX9 in hair follicle KCs drives structural changes that recruit immune cells and sustain HS pathogenesis. Successful completion of this project will advance understanding of how coordinated KLF5 and SOX9 expression in KCs modulates hair follicle biology and promotes inflammation. It may also establish a new preclinical model of HS, enabling exploration of disease pathogenesis, host-microbe interactions, genetic drivers, and novel therapeutic targets.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $409,063 )
2026	2026	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER	1161 21ST AVE S STE D3300 MCN	NASHVILLE	TN	37232	DAVIDSON	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	1	5/15/2026	NEW	$409,063
														Subtotal = $409,063

Grand Total All Awards = $409,063

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Modeling Hidradenitis Suppurativa: linking genetic susceptibility loci to disease pathogenesis

Award Number: R21AR086409

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/15/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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