Edwin Chan, M.D.
New York University School of Medicine, New York, N.Y.

"Purinergic Modulation of Dermal Fibrosis"

Established Investigator

Scleroderma is a devastating rheumatic disease that affects many different organs in the body. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment known at this time. One of the most important manifestations of this disease is thickening of the skin, or dermal fibrosis. One may think of this as widespread, uncontrolled production of scar tissue. This inappropriate deposition of scar tissue not only results in cosmetic disfigurement, but may severely limit daily activity and function.

We have identified a molecule ubiquitous in its existence in the body called adenosine that plays an important role in the formation of this scar tissue, or fibrosis. It acts through a specific receptor on the surface of the cell to produce the scarring effect. We have shown on animal models that we can substantially reduce this scarring effect, or fibrous tissue production, by blocking these cell surface receptors. This provides a new model for designing drugs to treat dermal fibrosis in scleroderma. The present study aims to explore the way adenosine alters fibrosis in the skin. We hope our results will lead to novel therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of this disease.