Pediatric Rheumatology Research IDEA Lab
Research Projects
Welcome to The IDEA Lab Research Projects page. We are grateful to the participants in our studies; the many collaborators locally, nationally, and internationally; and the generous support of institutions, funding agencies, and private donors.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the current IDEA Lab projects or if you have ideas for research projects that you feel the IDEA Lab should consider, please contact us .
The BBOP Study
The Biologically Based Outcome Predictors in Juvenile Arthritis Study (The BBOP Study ) is a Canadian-wide study that is discovering how biologically-based factors such as genetics, inflammation, and immune responses interact with a child's lifestyle (such as nutrition and physical activity) and environment to influence the outcomes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), the most common childhood rheumatic disease. Learn more about BBOP Study discoveries.
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The Juvenile Arthritis - Uveitis Study
Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis (JIA; the word "idiopathic" means the cause is unknown) is the most common childhood rheumatic disease. Some children develop uveitis, an inflammatory process that occurs in the eye. The reason why some children with JIA develop uveitis is unknown. This Canada-wide study is investigating possible mechanisms that will explain the curious association between joint and eye inflammation. Learn more about the JIA-Uveitis Study.
Discovering the Earliest Origins of Health and Disease
The IDEA Lab is dedicated to discovering the very earliest origins of health and disease and achieving a better understanding of how our biologic endowment, such as genetics, interacts with lifestyle and environmental factors to promote health or cause disease. The laboratory is investigating early childhood, prenatal, and intergenerational influences as determinants of future health and susceptibility to disease. With new knowledge generated by this study, innovative strategies to prevent disease can be developed. Learn more about the Earliest Origins Study please.
Oral Health in Juvenile Arthritis
The Oral Health in Juvenile Arthritis Study aims to better understand the relationships between how oral health might affect the occurrence and outcomes of childhood arthritis. In particular, our collaborative team of pediatric rheumatologists and dentists will investigate how certain bacteria in the mouth might promote inflammation and immune responses in joints. Learn more about the Oral Health in Juvenile Arthritis Study.
Treatment-Related Metabolomic Profiles in Juvenile Arthritis
Using innovative technologies, the Treatment-Related Metabolomic Profiles in Juvenile Arthritis Study is investigating if certain breakdown products of medications such as methotrexate can predict how well a child will respond to treatment. Learn more about the Metabolomics Study.
Synchrotron Imaging in Autoimmune Bone Disease
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan houses Canada's only synchrotron, a highly advanced technology that allows for exquisitely detailed imaging. By applying synchrotron imaging, the IDEA Lab, in collaboration with CLS scientists and international colleagues, has been able to advance knowledge about an autoimmune bone condition, chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis.
Learn more about the Synchrotron Imaging Autoimmune Bone Disease.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an example of an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system targets the patient's own tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation and damage. The IDEA Lab aims to discover new molecular interactions that might be partly responsible for triggering the autoimmune reaction in some patients. Learn more about the IDEA Lab lupus research.
Discovering Biomarkers of Multisystem Inflammatory Conditions
Many childhood rheumatic diseases are characterized by widespread inflammation that can involve multiple organs and systems in the body. The Pediatric Rheumatology IDEA Lab is conducting experiments aimed at identifying certain markers in the blood that might aid in diagnosing and monitoring multi-system inflammatory diseases such as Kawasaki Diseases, Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, and Macrophage Activation Syndrome and provide insight into what factors trigger the activation of certain inflammatory signalling pathways. Learn more about the IDEA Lab metabolomics research.
Identifying Targets of Antinuclear Antibodies
Many children with certain rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), have antibodies directed to certain targets in the nucleus of cells. These antibodies are referred to as antinuclear antibodies (ANA). In most cases the precise targets for ANA are unknown. The Pediatric Rheumatology IDEA Lab aims to determine the specific molecules that ANAs are targeting. Knowing the ANA targets will help to diagnose and understand JIA. Learn more about the ANA in JIA study.
The Role of Vitamin D in Childhood Rheumatic Diseases
The Pediatric Rheumatology IDEA Lab is investigating vitamin D and the genetics of a receptor that binds vitamin D as possible factors that influence the course of juvenile arthritis. Learn more about the Vitamin D study.
Other National and International Collaborations
In addition to research projects led by The Pediatric Rheumatology Research IDEA Lab at the University of Saskatchewan, the Lab also appreciates the opportunity to contribute to various national and international studies. Learn more about IDEA Lab Collaborations.