National Psoriasis Foundation gives $50,000 for new psoriasis study
Study aims to research a protein associated with immune system irregularities
PORTLAND, Ore. (June 20, 2008)—The National Psoriasis Foundation awarded a $50,000, one-year research grant to Dr. Maria-Eugenia Ariza, Ph.D., of University of South Carolina to study the relationship between the dUTPase protein and psoriasis, a non-contagious skin disease affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans.
Dr. Ariza, research assistant professor, will determine if irregularities in the immune system occurring with psoriasis are caused by the dUTPase protein, a product of the HERV-K retroviral gene. Additionally, the study aims to find treatments that block the dUTPase protein that could improve immune system irregularities and ultimately help those living with psoriasis.
"We're excited to support this advanced psoriasis research," said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "This type of inquiry is imperative for finding a cure for psoriasis, which is our highest priority."
Since 1979, the Psoriasis Foundation has provided more than $2.7 million in grants to scientists to conduct research leading to better treatments and a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Earlier this year, the Psoriasis Foundation awarded $200,000 in grants to four scientists. The additional grant to Dr. Azira was made possible by donations to the Psoriasis Foundation in honor of Gerald D. Weinstein, M.D. and Phillip Frost, M.D. for their pioneering work with the drug methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
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About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of Americans with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and their families. We focus on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
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