Peripheral Blood Gene Expression and Scleroderma Lung Disease

In this episode, Dr. Shervin Assassi discusses a secondary analysis of the SENSCIS trial, exploring how peripheral blood gene expression may predict response to mycophenolate in systemic sclerosis–associated lung disease. He highlights key findings linking immune and metabolic gene signatures, as well as C-reactive protein, to changes in lung function, and considers their potential role in guiding treatment and clinical trial design. The episode also touches on his career journey and insights into leadership, mentorship, and sustaining research productivity.

Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Profiling and Prognostic Significance for the Course of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis