(Sterling, MA, February 14, 2018) The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. (TMS) has awarded three research grants totaling $170,000 to support research in Pediatric Mastocytosis, including Related Disorders of Pediatric Mast Cell Activation.

“While initially, we thought we would only be able to support one research study, thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, we will be able to support three,” Chairman of the Board, Valerie Slee, RN, BSN, stated.  “Through the support of the Catalano Family and Wyatt’s Warriors, and Karen and Jim Houghton, we know that we will be able to further research in areas that impact both pediatric and adult patients.  These research studies have tremendous potential to improve recognition, diagnosis and treatment. We are most grateful to these donors for their vision and commitment to ensure a healthier future for all patients with Mast Cell Diseases.”

“We are particularly excited by the enthusiasm of researchers who submitted proposals, including both those who are leaders in the field and those just starting on their career paths. We are so pleased to see interest in Mast Cell Diseases among new physician researchers.” said Susan Jennings, PhD, TMS Research Committee Chair.

After a competitive grant review process the Board of Directors has approved funding for the following projects:

Excretion of Mast Cell Mediators in Pediatric Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Principal investigator, Anupama Ravi, MD, pediatric allergist/immunologist at The Mayo Clinic Program for the Study of Mast Cell and Eosinophil Disorders in Rochester, Minnesota, along with co-investigators, Joseph Butterfield, MD, Jeffrey Meeusen, PhD, Leslie Donato, PhD, and Angela Mattke, MD, propose a research study to determine the range levels of urinary mast cell mediators in patients with pediatric mastocytosis, MCAS, anaphylaxis and urticaria/angioedema, as well as in healthy children (controls).

Identification of Novel Pathways in the Transcriptome of Human Mast Cells from Children and Adults with Cutaneous Mastocytosis: Principle investigator, Matthew Giannetti, MD, allergist/immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, MA, along with co-investigator, Mariana Castells, MD, PhD, Director of the Boston Center of Excellence for Mastocytosis at BWH, will explore gene expression in skin mast cells, comparing data from skin biopsy samples from children and adults with cutaneous mastocytosis and patients without the disease. The researchers hope to identify novel pathways that may play a role in mastocytosis.

Translational Studies on Familial and Pediatric Mastocytosis for Identification of New Pathways of Transformation and of New Potentially Effective Treatment of Both Pediatric and Adult Mastocytosis: Co-principal investigators, Olivier Hermine, MD, PhD, Head

of Hematology, Necker Children’s Hospital/Imagine Institute, and of The National Reference Center of Mastocytosis, Paris, France, and Leila Maouche Chretien, PhD, Head of the Mastocytosis Group, along with co-investigators, Christine Bodemer, MD, PhD, Laura Polivka, MD, Flavia Guillem, PhD, propose a project to evaluate a cell signaling pathway that is newly associated with mastocytosis, with a goal to study a novel potential therapeutic target.

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About The Mastocytosis Society, Inc.

Established in 1994, The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients affected by Mastocytosis or Mast Cell Activation Disorders as well as their families, caregivers, and physicians through research, education, and advocacy.