The Molecular Mechanisms of Mastocytosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Defining the Molecular Mechanisms of Mastocytosis using Mass Spectrometry
IRAS ID
192830
Contact name
Ciaren Graham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Mastocytosis is a rare blood disorder in which mast cells are over-produced. Mast cells are a type of blood cell that are produced in the bone marrow. They are part of the immune system, which helps to fight infection and they also play a key role in the allergic response. The symptoms of mastocytosis can include flushing, hives, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased heart rate, fatigue, muscle and bone pain, migraines and neurologic problems such as memory loss. Most adult patients with mastocytosis have what is termed systemic mastocytosis. In systemic mastocytosis, mast cells accumulate in the body’s tissues and this can result in tissue damage and in more aggressive cases organ failure. Despite advances in the understanding of how blood cancers arise, the development of mastocytosis remains poorly understood.This study will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to produce digital maps from mastocytosis patients and compare them to normal healthy controls. This will facilitate the discovery of the key molecular events that lead to mastocytosis development and progression.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0787
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion