The Gulko Lab works on identifying new genes involved in the regulation of arthritis severity and joint damage. These new genes have the potential to become new prognostic biomarkers and new targets for more effective therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Gulko and his team have published a number of studies where new arthritis severity genes and chromosomal loci were identified. The laboratory also demonstrated that the synovial fibroblast from patients with RA is highly invasive and destructive, and discovered novel pathways regulating this cell behavior. These new pathways include a new role for CXCR3-CXCL10, nuclear receptors (including LXR and VDR), and ion channels such as TRPV2. Modulating these genes reduces cell invasion and joint damage and the Gulko lab is developing new compounds targeting these genes to treat arthritis. Read more.