April 8, 2026
The Pittsburgh Foundation Invests in Understanding of Chronic Diseases
A number of Pitt labs advance understanding with support from the foundation.
TOPICS: Aging & Lifespan | Arthritis | Autoimmune | Cancer & Immunotherapy | Chronic Disease | Neuro & Cognitive Science | Parkinson's | Partnerships | Research
Designs on Aging-Ready
By Strategic Communications
In Sarah Gaffen’s lab at the University of Pittsburgh, everything revolves around cytokine IL-17, which is secreted from various immune cells. The Gaffen lab focuses on how cytokines such as IL-17 coordinate host defense and autoimmunity. In the course of defining the molecular circuitry within the cell that allows responses to this cytokine, her team identified an unusual RNA-binding protein that amplifies the IL-17 signaling pathway. It appears to be a novel biomarker and molecular driver of autoimmune conditions, including inflammatory arthritis.
More than 18 million people live with autoimmune arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). “My mother and grandmother both suffered from RA, and the goal of studying cytokines including IL-17 is to figure out better ways to intervene clinically,” says Gaffen, professor of medicine and immunology, who holds the Gerald P. Rodnan Chair and recently served as president of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society.
“My mother and grandmother both suffered from RA, and the goal of studying cytokines including IL-17 is to figure out better ways to intervene clinically.”
Sarah Gaffen, Dr. Gerald P. Rodnan Rheumatology Professor
To explore the potential for targeting the IL-17 pathway to offer relief, Gaffen recently received support from The Pittsburgh Foundation. Michael Yonas, vice president for community partnerships and learning at the foundation, explained that the foundation manages about 26 medical research funds that provide $1.8 million to $2.1 million in research support per year. Gaffen’s work is supported by the Simeon M. Jones Jr. and Katharine Reed Jones Fund and the Frank L. Sprohar and Dolores M. Sprohar Trust.
Gaffen’s is one of several Pitt labs supported this year by a total of $776,000 in grants from the foundation. Most of the foundation’s grants to the School of Medicine focus on alleviating the burden of chronic diseases, particularly in underserved communities. The foundation has supported work at the School of Medicine since the early 1960s.
This year’s funded projects include investigations in the lab of Matthew Steinhauser, associate professor of medicine, on a novel molecular signature for human resilience in aging; studies of equitable access and optimization of precision radiotherapy for breast cancer by Parul Barry, clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology; an exploration of the role of technology in achieving diabetes health by Margaret Zupa, assistant professor of medicine; and examinations on the role of DCAF7 in aging and brain health in the lab of Emily Rocha, assistant professor of neurology. The foundation also funded early career cranial research in the Department of Neurological Surgery.
“Rheumatoid arthritis is an incredibly painful condition afflicting millions of people, disproportionately affecting women. Given the . . . propensity for high impact for advancing scientific understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and more effective interventions, this request was an ideal study to receive support,” Yonas says. “Dr. Gaffen’s personal motivation and professional commitment to addressing this condition is also truly inspiring.”