Lupus Research Group

At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), our Lupus Erythematosus research program, known as M.U.S.C.L.E., is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of lupus. Our multidisciplinary team of experts is committed to clinical, translational, and basic research, alongside community outreach initiatives that enhance knowledge and awareness of this complex autoimmune disease.

Meet Our Team of Experts

Our faculty principal investigators are leaders in their respective fields, including clinical and translational scientists Drs. Gary Gilkeson, Diane Kamen, Jim Oates, Natasha Ruth, Melissa Cunningham, Jessica English, and Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon, as well as basic research scientists Drs. Tammy Nowling and Betty Tsao. Together, they are driving innovative research aimed at unraveling the complexities of lupus.

Our Research Focus

The M.U.S.C.L.E. group conducts a wide range of studies, from investigator-initiated observational research to industry-sponsored clinical trials. These efforts are administered through the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute (SCTR) and target critical areas such as:

• Biomarkers of Lupus and Lupus Nephritis: Understanding disease activity and progression.
• Environmental Factors: Exploring the impact of vitamin D and other factors on autoimmune diseases.
• Atherosclerosis and Bone Health: Investigating the effects of lupus on cardiovascular and skeletal systems.
• Oral Health: Assessing the relationship between oral health and lupus.
• Stress and Lupus: Examining the role of stress in the lives of lupus patients.

Innovative Clinical Trials

Our industry-sponsored trials are at the forefront of testing new therapies designed to be more targeted and have fewer side effects than current treatments. These trials offer hope for more effective and personalized care for lupus patients. A list of our currently enrolling Lupus Clinical Studies can be found on the MUSC Clinical Research website.

Pioneering Basic and Translational Research

In our labs, researchers focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of lupus, including:

• The role of reactive intermediates in disease pathogenesis and damage.
• The involvement of complement systems in lupus.
• Genetic factors that regulate inflammatory processes in lupus.

Get Involved

To learn more about the lupus research at MUSC or to join our mailing list, contact:

• Email:  lupusresearch@musc.edu
• Call: 1-866-859-6107 (toll-free) or 843-792-8997
• View enrolling lupus clinical trials at MUSC

Explore our faculty pages to learn more about each investigator's specific research interests and how you can contribute to the fight against lupus.

Lupus Support Group

South Carolina Lupus Support Group (Local Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America):

• Dates:  Meets the 4th Saturday of the month
• Location: Alternating meeting formats of in person and virtual
• Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST)
• Lead Facilitator: Hetlena Johnson-McCormick
• For more information or to sign up:  LFAsclupusgroup@gmail.com

Information, Podcasts, and Videos

Online Resources

• Watch the video What is Lupus? by the National Resource Center on Lupus for an explanation of lupus and how it affects people.

• The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)

• Research Accelerated by You (RAY) is a national lupus research registry from the Lupus Foundation of America. It helps advance lupus research by collecting information directly from people living with the disease. Participation is voluntary.  Learn more or enroll on the RAY website.

• The LFA’s Center for Clinical Trials Education - for valuable information about participating in research.

• The National Resource Center on Lupus is an online one-stop resource for all things lupus!

• Lupus Columbia SC provides lupus support groups, education, advocacy, and awareness.

• The North Carolina Chapter of the LFA

• The Lupus Initiative - dedicated to improving disease recognition and management of lupus in patient populations disproportionately affected based on race, ethnicity, and gender.  They also feature CME activities for healthcare providers.

• SCResearch.org - for up-to-date listings of all the research studies available through MUSC, searchable by area of interest or by disease name.

• Resource Tool Tutorial video, sponsored by Network of the National Library of Medicine – Region 2 (NNLM-2): In this session, learn about utilizing Medline Plus and ClinicalTrials.gov to find trusted health information. Explore key features and discover tips to navigate these resources. 

Lupus News, Events, and Announcements

• Lupus News and Events:  Learn about the latest news and events from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).
• Check Out the New Videos from the LFA on YouTube:  Learn more about lupus and find out ways you can help bring greater attention to lupus.