RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Transcriptomic Study of Cutaneous Fibroblasts in Scleroderma

This study aims to understand scleroderma better by looking closely at skin cells called fibroblasts. Scleroderma is a complex condition where the immune system, blood vessels, and special cells called fibroblasts all play a part in causing the skin and organs to thicken. Researchers believe that in older people, some fibroblasts might become "senescent" – meaning they age and stop dividing – but instead become active in a harmful way, causing inflammation and scarring. This study wants to explore if these fibroblasts are a main reason why scleroderma starts and continues. By studying skin samples, they hope to find new ways to help people with this condition. It's about finding out how these tiny cells might lead to bigger problems in the body.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

26 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Scleroderma

What is this study about?

Scleroderma is a health condition that affects your skin and sometimes your internal organs. It's a bit complicated, but it involves several things going wrong in the body. Firstly, your blood vessels can become overactive and change, which can affect blood flow. Secondly, your immune system, which usually fights off infections, can start to mistakenly attack healthy parts of your body. And thirdly, special cells in your skin and organs called fibroblasts start to work too much, producing too much collagen, which is what makes the skin and other tissues hard and thick. This is why the condition is sometimes called "systemic sclerosis" – meaning widespread hardening.

Researchers in this study have a particular idea about what might be happening, especially in older people who develop scleroderma. They think that as we get older, some fibroblasts might become "senescent." Think of these as older, tired cells that aren't working quite right. Instead of just stopping, these senescent fibroblasts might actually start sending out signals that activate the immune system and cause a lot of inflammation and scarring. Their main idea, or "hypothesis," is that these fibroblasts are really important in causing scleroderma and keeping it going.

So, what does this study hope to achieve? By carefully studying these fibroblasts from skin samples, the researchers hope to get a much clearer picture of what's going wrong at a cellular level. Understanding how these fibroblasts behave and what they're doing could lead to new ways of treating scleroderma in the future. It's all about finding the root cause to develop better solutions.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying skin cells from people with scleroderma.
The focus is on understanding special cells called fibroblasts.
The study aims to discover why fibroblasts might contribute to scleroderma.
Participation involves providing a small skin sample.
This research could lead to new treatments in the future.
It does not involve any new medications or ongoing visits.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, there are certain rules about who can take part. For people who have scleroderma, you must have a formal diagnosis of systemic scleroderma and be able to give your clear agreement to participate in writing.

For people who do not have scleroderma and are joining as a comparison group (often called 'controls'), you must be having plastic, cosmetic, or reconstructive surgery for other reasons. Like the scleroderma group, you must also be able to provide your written agreement to take part.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For both groups, you can't participate if you're under legal protection (like a guardianship), unable to understand and give consent, or if you're under 18 years old. Additionally, if you're a control participant, you can't join if you have a long-term illness, especially one that affects your immune system, causes inflammation, or affects your skin, or if you are taking long-term medication for these types of conditions. The study is open to anyone aged 18 or over.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of systemic scleroderma, or are you having plastic surgery for other reasons?
Are you able to provide written consent to take part?
Are you NOT under any legal protection (like guardianship)?
If you're a control participant, do you NOT have a long-term immune, inflammatory, or skin condition?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves providing a skin sample. If you are a person with scleroderma, a small skin sample will be taken. If you are a control participant, a skin sample will be taken during your scheduled plastic, cosmetic, or reconstructive surgery. The researchers will then analyse these skin samples in a laboratory to study the cells within them. There are no medications or follow-up visits involved beyond the initial sample collection. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time it takes to collect the skin sample. You won't be asked to do anything else.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has some potential factors to consider. The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you would be contributing to a better scientific understanding of scleroderma. This knowledge could help researchers find new ways to treat the condition in the future, which could ultimately benefit many people. The main risk involves the minor procedure to collect the skin sample, which typically involves a small scar and a very low risk of infection or bleeding, similar to any minor skin biopsy. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Dijon Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a fibroblast?

Fibroblasts are common cells found in your connective tissues, like your skin. They play a key role in healing wounds and making collagen, which helps keep your skin firm. In scleroderma, they can become overactive.

Why are skin samples needed?

Skin samples allow researchers to look directly at the fibroblasts and other cells to understand what makes them behave differently in people with scleroderma.

Will this study offer me a new treatment?

No, this is a research study focused on understanding the disease better, not on testing new treatments. It's a foundational step that could lead to new treatments in the future.

Will I or my doctor get results from my sample?

Individual results from your sample will not be provided. The study will look at overall patterns from many samples to draw conclusions.

Is there any cost to me for participating?

No, there are no costs associated with participating in this research study.

How to find out more

Bernard BONNOTTE

bernard.bonnotte@chu-dijon.fr 03.80.29.34.32 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.