Dupuytren’s Disease Modelling and Transcriptomic Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Driving Aberrant Myofibroblast Differentiation in Dupuytren’s Disease
IRAS ID
332547
Contact name
George JM Hourston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 27 days
Research summary
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign thickening of the fascia of the palm and fingers. Typically, it starts with a small nodule in the palm, and then cords develop under the skin. In progressive disease, the fingers are pulled down into fixed flexion contractures. Although the condition is benign and is not associated with malignant disease, Dupuytren's disease can be significantly debilitating and uncomfortable. Dupuytren's disease is common, affecting up to 20% men >60, and 20% women >80.
We aim to evaluate the cellular environment of palmar fascia from patients with Dupuytren's disease to determine whether there may be a role for stem cells in the development and progression of the disease.
We will take samples from the palmar tissue of patients with Dupuytren's disease including skin, subcutaneous fat, and palmar fascia including diseased nodules and cords. Taking samples for this research will form a part of their routine care during surgery for Dupuytren's disease (selective fasciectomy).
We will compare this with two controls. One control will be unaffected palmar fascia (immediately adjacent to the diseased tissue) taken from patients at the same surgery, this will involve no more morbidity than the surgery they are having, and the other will be the same tissues taken from patients unaffected by Dupuytren's disease as a control undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery.
This study investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving fibrosis in Dupuytren’s disease. We will collect small samples of tissue that are either routinely removed during hand surgery or can be safely biopsied without additional risk - for example, from patients undergoing carpal tunnel or trigger finger surgery.
Using advanced techniques including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and genetic sequencing, we will identify how different cells contribute to fibrosis. We may also grow stem cell lines from donated tissue to study repair and regeneration in the hand.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NE/0066
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion