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New Video Highlights Young Person’s Experience with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Research
At the end of last year the MAPJAG research team collaborated with Amy, a young person living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), to create a new video highlighting the importance of research into the condition.
Showcasing the Patient Perspective
The video, featuring Amy and Professor Adam Croft, Chief Investigator of MAP-JAG, sheds light on the challenges of living with JIA and the vital role research plays in improving treatments. Amy shares her personal journey, including her diagnosis at age three, her experiences with different treatments, and how research has helped shape better understanding and care for young people like her.
Professor Croft explains:
“Through MAPJAG, we aim to better understand JIA and improve treatments for young people. Collaborating with Amy on this video has been invaluable in showing why research matters—not just to scientists and clinicians, but to the young people affected by this condition every day.”
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/oXUB-dL2r_4.
A Platform for Young Voices in Research
Amy’s involvement in this video highlights the importance of patient engagement in research. By sharing her lived experience, she provides a powerful perspective on why studies like MAPJAG are essential for identifying better treatments and ensuring that young people receive the right support as early as possible.
Amy reflects:
“It’s important that research focuses on the needs of young people with JIA. Being part of this video was a great opportunity to share my experience and to help raise awareness of the work being done to improve treatment options.”
Expanding the Impact of MAPJAG
The MAPJAG study continues to grow, supported by funding from the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research, Versus Arthritis, the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the Medical Research Council, and remains committed to working closely with young people and their families.
Through initiatives like this video, the research team hopes to increase awareness, encourage participation, and ensure that young voices remain at the heart of scientific progress.
Nature Publication success for Chrissy Bolton
Congratulations to Chrissy Bolton, MRC PhD Fellow in Prof Adam’s Croft’s Team, who has had her paper titled: “All fibroblasts are equal, but some are more equal than others” published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology!
Read it here >>> https://rdcu.be/dE0NO
Bolton, C., Croft, A.P. All fibroblasts are equal, but some are more equal than others. Nat Rev Rheumatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-024-01097-6
Professor Adam Croft inaugural lecture: Restoring order to the joint: fibroblasts as cellular checkpoints of inflammation
On March 6th, 2024, Professor Adam Croft delivered his inaugural lecture, ‘Restoring order to the joint: fibroblasts as cellular checkpoints of inflammation’.
As the Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology and head of the Rheumatology Research Group at the University of Birmingham, Professor Croft led research on the role of fibroblasts in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Fibroblasts, essential structural cells in body tissues, were found to orchestrate tissue inflammation, particularly in chronic joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
During the lecture, Professor Croft highlighted the pivotal role of fibroblasts in joint inflammation, describing them as conductors of the ‘immunological orchestra’. His research identified different fibroblast subtypes with either pathological or regulatory functions, leading to targeted therapies to restore diseased joints.
The lecture was presented both in person and online via Zoom.
Here is a video the University of Birmingham Marketing and Communications Team recorded ahead of the lecture.
Dr Chrissy Bolton – Runner-up in the GOSH Image Competition
Dr Chrissy Bolton, MRC Clinical Research Training Fellow and a member of the TRICIA team, recently participated in an image competition and achieved recognition as a runner-up. The competition, open to staff from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and its affiliated institutes—the NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH)—invited submissions that encapsulate ‘a moment of discovery’ in their research. Additionally, the competition welcomed entries from other children’s hospitals across the UK within the NIHR GOSH BRC Paediatric Excellence Initiative, including Alder Hey, Birmingham, and Sheffield.
Out of numerous submissions, 11 images and GIFs showcasing the breadth of research linked to GOSH were shortlisted and presented to three distinct panels—the GOSH Young People’s Advisory Group for Research (YPAG), NIHR GOSH BRC stakeholders, and the GOSH staff networks. These images offer insights into the diverse research endeavours undertaken at GOSH and its collaborators, aimed at uncovering new treatments for rare or complex conditions, to enhance the lives of seriously ill children and young individuals.
The selection process was highly competitive, culminating in the identification of three standout images. These finalists were then subjected to public scrutiny, with the overall winner determined through social media voting.
The image submitted by Chrissy depicts the cellular composition of a knee joint afflicted by arthritis in a four-year-old. Highlighted in red are the blood vessels infiltrating the tissue, their proliferation indicative of disease progression and the influx of cells instigating joint damage. The outer regions, depicted in yellow and pink, typically constitute a thin barrier for the knee, yet thicken as the joint attempts to mitigate inflammation-induced harm. The green layers signify the presence of scar tissue, exacerbating joint stiffness and impeding mobility.
In the United Kingdom, inflammatory arthritis affects approximately 1 in 1,000 children, predominantly manifesting in large joints. Despite a decade of treatment, many children continue to endure persistent disease activity. Notably, the bulk of arthritis research has historically centred on adults, leaving a gap in understanding regarding the nuances of chronic inflammation in the developing immune systems of children. Ultimately, it was the poignant insights from parents, advocating for their children’s inclusion in the technological advancements driving research, that underscored the imperative to extend these benefits to younger demographics.
Emerging Investigator Excellence Awards by the American College of Rheumatology
Two researchers from the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, affiliated with Prof. Adam Crofts’ research group and involved in the TRICIA (Tissue Research in Childhood Inflammatory Arthritis) partnership, have been honoured with the prestigious Emerging Investigator Excellence Awards by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Dr Chris Mahony and Dr Sam Kemble have both received this recognition for their outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology.
The Emerging Investigator Excellence Awards were established by the ACR to commend exceptional abstracts presented by Early Career investigators, with only one award granted per abstract category.
Dr Chris Mahony, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the institute, has been acknowledged for his groundbreaking work in the Paediatric Rheumatology – Basic Science category. His research focuses on improving the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, particularly in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Dr. Mahony’s work on “Cellular Deconstruction of Stromal and Myeloid Cell Compartments in the Inflamed Synovium of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis” has led to the creation of the first atlas of the inflamed synovium in children with JIA. This breakthrough paves the way for more effective treatments for children suffering from this condition in the future. The research was made possible through funding from Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research, and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Dr Sam Kemble, a Research Fellow at the institute, has been recognised for his contributions in the T Cell Biology & Targets in Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease category. Dr Kemble’s research focuses on understanding how the body’s tissue resident cells control the development and longevity of specific, unhealthy environments in inflammatory diseases. His work on “Targeting Fibroblasts in Inflammatory Disease using Engineered T Cells” has identified pathogenic fibroblasts present in multiple inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS). Dr Kemble and his team are currently investigating the use of chimeric antigen receptor T cells as a novel immunotherapy to target these cells within the disease tissue. This research holds promising implications for the development of new fibroblast-targeted therapies in inflammatory diseases.
The awards were presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence held in the San Diego Convention Centre, California, from 10th to 15th November 2023. The annual meeting serves as a vital platform for physicians, scientists, and health professionals involved in the treatment or research of arthritis or rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to learn about the latest research and breakthroughs in the field.
Insights from a Focus Group on Biopsy Procedures in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) plays a vital role in shaping healthcare research, particularly in paediatric rheumatology where understanding patient perspectives is crucial for improving care and outcomes. In this article, we present insights gathered from a focus group session conducted with patients diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their parents. The session aimed to explore the acceptability of biopsy procedures under local anaesthesia with sedation and discuss the timing and circumstances of such interventions. The focus group session was held on Friday, 1st December 2023, at The Exchange, Centenary Square in Birmingham.
Understanding Patient Perspectives:
The focus group session provided valuable insights into the concerns, preferences, and considerations of patients and parents regarding biopsy procedures in JIA. Participants expressed various concerns, including anxiety about pain, the impact of previous experiences, and the need for clear information and education about the procedure.
Key Insights and Best Practices:
- Addressing Anxiety and Pain Management: Participants emphasised the importance of managing anxiety and pain associated with biopsy procedures. Providing clear information about the procedure, including the use of sedation and potential sensations, can help alleviate anxiety and improve patient experience.
- Tailoring Information and Education: Participants highlighted the need for tailored information and education materials to help patients and parents better understand the procedure. Videos showcasing previous experiences and explaining the process in detail were identified as valuable resources.
- Timing and Circumstances of Biopsy: Discussions revolved around the timing and circumstances of biopsy procedures, with participants expressing preferences for conducting biopsies when the joint is better. Concerns about additional hospital visits and procedures were also raised, emphasising the importance of considering patient and family circumstances.
- Research Participation and Future Treatments: Participants expressed willingness to participate in research studies involving biopsies, particularly if they understood the potential benefits for future treatments and advancements in JIA care.
- Communication and Informed Consent: Building rapport with the medical team and maintaining open, honest communication were identified as essential for enhancing patient trust and facilitating informed consent. Participants valued being contacted about research studies and appreciated summary documents summarising discussions.
The insights gathered from the focus group highlight the importance of PPIE in paediatric rheumatology research, particularly in understanding patient perspectives and preferences regarding biopsy procedures in JIA. By incorporating patient and public input into research design and practice, healthcare professionals can ensure that interventions are acceptable, accessible, and aligned with the needs and priorities of patients and families.
Professor Adam Croft appointed as Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology
TRICIA lead Professor Adam Croft, has been named the new Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology and Head of the Rheumatology Research Group (RRG) at the University of Birmingham. Since 2020, he has held the position of Professor of Translational Rheumatology and has served as an Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). Professor Croft is renowned for his expertise in synovial tissue pathology in inflammatory arthritis.
“I’m honoured to have been appointed to the Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology at the University, an organisation that has supported my research and that I have long had a relationship with. I look forward to working with researchers in the RRG to shape our research strategy and vision for the next decade, embedding patient views at the heart of our research questions and ensuring Birmingham continues to deliver cutting edge research that improves the lives and health of people with rheumatic diseases”
– Professor Adam Croft
Under the mentorship of Professor Chris Buckley, Professor Croft began his career in the RRG at Birmingham and subsequently joined the NIHR integrated academic clinical training pathway. In 2014, he secured a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship, focusing on understanding persistent inflammation in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. His research has notably identified pathogenic effector fibroblast subsets in inflammatory arthritis. Currently, he holds a Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research Senior Research Fellowship. This appointment highlights Professor Croft’s dedication to advancing rheumatology research and addressing the challenges posed by rheumatic diseases.
Versus Arthritis provides support and services for people with arthritis across the UK, funds world-class research to develop breakthrough treatments, and campaigns for arthritis to be seen as a priority, towards a future free from arthritis.
Arthritis affects over 10 million people in the UK. Pain experienced can affect an individual’s abilities to work, care for family and in some instances to live independently.
Professor Croft will give his inaugural lecture on Wednesday 6th March 2024
New funding award – Early Detection of Severe Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Professor Adam Croft has been awarded £392,004.48 by Versus Arthritis for the project ‘Early Detection of Severe Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis’. Starting on 1st August 2023 and running for three years, this funding aims to advance our understanding and treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
As part of the Versus Arthritis funded Multiomic Analysis of Paediatric Gut and Joint Inflammation (MAPJAG) study, Prof Adam Croft pioneered the application of a safe, well-tolerated technique for minimally invasive ultrasound-guided synovial tissue biopsies in children and young people with inflammatory arthritis. In this project, the research team defined the cellularity of the synovial tissue at single-cell (sc) resolution using scRNA-sequencing of digested tissue from individuals with an actively inflamed joint. This new funding will allow analysis to extend to matched blood and synovial fluid samples and fund complementary spatial analysis of matched tissue.
This study is embedded into the TRICIA network and will draw on the intellectual infrastructure across four academic institutions; Oxford, UCL, UoB, and Manchester
European Workshop for Rheumatology Research
Consortium Launch
Funded by a UKRI partnership grant, TRICIA is a collaborative network across four academic institutions: Manchester, University College London, Birmingham and Oxford and has collective expertise in epidemiology, pathophysiology, data science and bioinformatics. Its objective is to build capacity within UK paediatric rheumatology to perform synovial tissue biopsy studies to improve treatments for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) through precision pathology research.
This collaboration will allow for larger-scale synovial tissue research studies in the future, enabling the identification of new pathways, signatures, targets, and biomarkers. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of those affected by JIA
Recent Posts
- New Video Highlights Young Person’s Experience with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Research
- Nature Publication success for Chrissy Bolton
- Professor Adam Croft inaugural lecture: Restoring order to the joint: fibroblasts as cellular checkpoints of inflammation
- Dr Chrissy Bolton – Runner-up in the GOSH Image Competition
- Emerging Investigator Excellence Awards by the American College of Rheumatology
