Lupus Link Minnesota

“The organization works closely with an outside paid preparer who is experienced with form 990, and its finance consultant and board chair provided the preparer with full information and closely reviewed the return just prior to it going to its last final draft. The board of directors, at its meeting just prior to the return's filing, met with the paid preparer in attendance and the preparer walked the board through the final draft and took questions. Thereafter, the board both took note of the final draft's moving to final (with some minor corrections) and authorized the board chair's signing in favor of the return's electronic submission.”

“All board members and staff are asked to sign a conflict of interest policy statement annually and upon joining the organization. If a conflict of interest arises during the year, the staff or board member states the interest and is excused from decision making related to the interest.”

“The board annually reviews the performance and compensation of the president and executive director. Compensation is based on performance and a market comparison.”

“Organizational documents available upon request.”

“All board members and staff are asked to sign a conflict of interest policy statement annually and upon joining the organization. If a conflict of interest arises during the year, the staff or board member states the interest and is excused from decision making related to the interest.”

“The board annually reviews the performance and compensation of the president and executive director. Compensation is based on performance and a market comparison.”

“Find a cure. Lupus link minnesota milestones were also shared, including announcements of lupus link minnesota funded research. Social media channels were used to share tips, resources and information to those living with lupus along with the larger community. Board and staff engaged in public speaking events to various audiences. In addition, our fundraising events, the great .8 walk and direct mail pieces were leveraged to educate and raise awareness.”

“Exploring the function of mtorc2 in the lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients: the relative shortage of effective treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) illuminates the urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. One of the hallmarks of sle is the over-activation of cells producing antibodies that attack patients' own tissues. Recent research shows that a specialized cell population, called follicular helper t (tfh) cells, promote the production of these self-tissue targeting antibodies. This mayo research group and others have recently demonstrated a novel mechanism that controls tfh cells. This pathway, termed mechanistic target of rapmycin complex-2 (mtorc2), maintains the metabolism and enhances the ability of the tfh cells to stimulate antibody production. Thus, mtorc2 may serve as a new target for sle treatment. Whether mtorc2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of sle has not been explored. The proposed study builds upon the research team's previous work on the biological functions of mtorc2 signaling in tfh cells. This grant will allow the research team to characterize the mtorc2 pathway in sle patients' immune systems and explore the potential of targeting mtorc2 for sle treatment. Daniel l. Mueller, m.d., university of minnesota. Professor of medicine and director, division of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases adenosine 2a receptor suppression of the tfh-dependent autoimmune arthritis: arthritic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) arise when t and b cells collaborate for the production of autoantibodies. The regulation of this abnormal collaborate remains uncertain. This research team has discovered that activation of adenosine receptors on t cells can prevent them from collaborating efficiently with b cells. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that adenosine can prevent arthritis. This grant will support the investigation of whether adenosine receptor ligation on t cells can inhibit autoreactive t and b cell collaboration and ameliorate autoimmune arthritis. Success in these proposed experiments would offer a new therapeutic approach to treating lupus arthritis. In addition to annual research grants, lupus link minnesota provides undergraduates interested in basic or clinical research an opportunity to work with an established faculty researcher at various institutions, through its student summer fellowship program. In 2017, lupus link funded five summer student fellows at both the mayo clinic and the university of minnesota. Three fellows worked under the direction of dr. Niewold at the mayo clinic and two fellows worked under the direction of dr. Mueller at the university of minnesota. A total of $22,500 in funded was provided in 2017 to support these student fellows. In august, all five students presented the findings from their research and information about their findings and experiences as student fellows which was promoted and shared through our communication channels.”

“Activities for these groups on its website.”