The National Rosacea Society (NRS) is funding three new studies in addition to continuing support for two ongoing studies as part of its research grants program.

In this round, Luis Garza, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and colleagues were awarded $25,000 to study epigenetic lesions in rosacea. In addition, Wenqing Li, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University in Providence, RI, was awarded $25,000 to clarify how hormone use and hormone levels associated with menopause and during pregnancy may affect the risk of developing rosacea. The study will use data from the Nurses’ Health Study including more than 6,000 women diagnosed with rosacea. The third $25,000 grant went to  Anna Di Nardo, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California-San Diego, and colleagues to determine whether the release of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides is central to the connection between the nervous system and skin inflammation through the activation of mast cells in rosacea. In previous research, Dr. Di Nardo showed that mast cells were highly significant in the overproduction of cathelicidins.

The NRS also continued to fund a 2016 study by Gideon Smith, MD, assistant physician in dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and instructor at Harvard University in Boston, and colleagues, who are investigating whether individuals with rosacea may be at higher risk for other disorders involving the vascular system, such as heart disease and high cholesterol. They also will continue funding for Lori Lee Stohl, MD, research associate in dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical School in New York City, who is examining how biochemicals released during stress may increase the number of mast cells.

“Research supported by the NRS has led to important insights into the physiology of the disorder, providing an essential foundation for developing new and better treatments,” says Dr. Martin Steinhoff, chairman of dermatology and director of the Charles Institute of Dermatology, University College, Dublin, and a member of the NRS Medical Advisory Board, which selects research proposals for funding. “In addition, our growing knowledge is now pointing toward potentially meaningful connections between rosacea and other systemic illnesses.”

Apply for a 2017 NRS Research Grant Now

Researchers interested in applying for grants may obtain forms and instructions through the research grants section of the NRS website, rosacea.org, or by contacting the National Rosacea Society, 196 James Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010, telephone 1-888-662-5874, email rosaceas@aol.com. The deadline for submitting proposals to receive a research grant in 2017 is June 18, 2017.

Because the cause of rosacea is unknown, a high priority in awarding grants is given to studies relating to its pathogenesis, progression, mechanism of action, cell biology and potential genetic factors. Proposals relating to epidemiology, predisposition, quality of life and relationships with environmental and lifestyle factors may also be considered.