Funded by Cure JM, scientists identify “protein fingerprints” that could improve diagnosis and care for kids with juvenile myositis.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology has uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding juvenile dermatomyositis (JM). Researchers have found unique “protein fingerprints” in the muscle and skin of children with JM — discoveries that could help doctors one day tailor treatments to each child’s specific disease.
What the study found
This landmark study, with funding from Cure JM Foundation, examined tissue samples from children with JM, focusing on the affected muscle and skin rather than only blood tests. Scientists discovered distinct groups of proteins that were either overactive or missing in JM tissues, compared with those of healthy children.
These differences help explain why JM affects each child differently. Some children experience more skin involvement, others more muscle weakness, and many respond differently to treatment. By identifying these unique “protein fingerprints,” researchers are moving closer to understanding the underlying biology that drives these variations.
Why this matters
Today’s JM treatments are largely one-size-fits-all, relying on broad immune-suppressing medications that can take months to adjust. These new protein discoveries could eventually help doctors predict which therapies will work best for each child, and allow them to detect improvements or flares much earlier.
From the research team
“This could not have been possible without Cure JM,” said Dr. Jessica Neely, former Cure JM Fellow and Co-Director of the Center of Excellence at UCSF. “We are so thankful and hope this will help us continue getting closer to better biomarkers for JDM to improve care.”
Why this gives us hope
This research represents a major step toward “individual treatment medicine” for juvenile myositis — care that’s based on each child’s unique biology. For families, it brings hope for faster diagnosis, fewer side effects, and more effective treatments.
Thanks to the generosity of the Cure JM community and our partnerships with leading researchers and institutions, discoveries like this are transforming what’s possible for kids with juvenile myositis. Together, we are building a future of better treatments, improved care, and brighter outcomes for every child and family affected by JM.