Lead Investigators:

Mehdi Rashighi, MD

Status Quo:

Skin lupus can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a more severe form of the disease, but the mechanisms behind this progression are not well understood. Early detection of biomarkers and understanding the role of genetic and environmental factors could help predict this transition.

What We Study:

The CLUES study aims to identify skin and blood biomarkers present before the onset or progression of systemic lupus. It will follow 50 participants with skin lupus over five years to understand how the disease may evolve.

How We Innovate:

The study is conducted entirely remotely, with participants using easy, at-home sample collection kits, including:

• Tasso: for blood collection
  
  
• OMNIgene®: for saliva collection
  
  
• DermTech™: tape strips for skin samples
  
  
• Micropatches: for skin fluid collection

Participants will also complete quarterly surveys on their health, stress levels, and any new symptoms, and can opt to provide hair samples to measure stress levels.