Research Group Raphael Micheroli
Our group focuses on understanding chronic inflammatory joint diseases through multidisciplinary research on socioeconomic, lifestyle, genetic, and pathological factors. By leveraging advanced data analysis, histological techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborations, their projects aim to uncover disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and address health disparities for personalized patient care.
Our Projects
This project investigates the role of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking, in the context of chronic inflammatory joint diseases, including axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). By analyzing data from the Swiss Clinical Quality Management (SCQM) cohort and comparing it to the general Swiss population, we aim to identify patterns of health disparities associated with socioeconomic status. This research examines how factors like occupational type, education level, and income influence disease outcomes, offering insights into targeted interventions to mitigate health inequalities within the rheumatic disease population.
Synovitis, a key feature of inflammatory joint diseases, varies across different conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, PsA, and axSpA. This project combines traditional histological analysis with cutting-edge omics techniques to explore the cellular and molecular characteristics of synovitis. Using synovial biopsies from affected joints, in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Caroline Ospelt, we aim to integrate histologic, genomic and transcriptomic data to reveal disease-specific signatures and pathophysiological pathways. This approach may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for personalized treatment.
In addition to the axPsA project of Adrian Ciurea’s Group, the GenoAx-SpA-PsA study seeks to identify genetic markers that distinguish axPsA from axSpA. This research involves a translational approach and utilizes SCQM patient data and biosamples to investigate the genetic underpinnings of these disease subtypes.
In partnership with the Department of Dermatology, we conduct interdisciplinary research on Psoriasis (PsO), PsA and the progression of psoriasis (PsO) to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by leveraging data from both the Swiss Dermatology Network on Targeted Therapies (SDNTT) and SCQM. PD Dr. med. Tatjana Maul and we work closely together, ensuring comprehensive support for each study conducted in either department. This collaboration facilitates a unique perspective on both the dermatological and rheumatological aspects of PsO and PsA, enhancing our ability to provide integrated patient care.
Selected Publications
- Colla N. et al. Impact of blue-collar vs. white-collar occupations on disease burden in psoriatic arthritis patients: A Swiss clinical quality management in rheumatic diseases cohort study. Clin Rheumatol. 2024 Oct;43(10):3147-3155.
- Nielsen ML. et al. Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients – A Swiss Registry Study. J Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis. 2024 Apr;9(2):41-50.
- Micheroli R. et al. Obesity Represents a Persisting Health Issue in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Particularly Affecting Socially Disadvantaged Patients. J Rheumatol. 2023 Jul 15:jrheum.2023-0137.
- Micheroli R. et al. Prediction of histology by B-mode and PD-mode ultrasound across different joint locations and diseases. RMD Open. 2022 Jul;8(2):e002439.
https://rmdopen.bmj.com/content/rmdopen/8/2/e002439.full.pdf - Micheroli R. et al. Role of synovial fibroblast subsets across synovial pathotypes in rheumatoid arthritis: a deconvolution analysis. RMD Open. 2022 Jan;8(1):e001949.
- Marlene Stirnimann-Agustoni, Doctoral candidate
- Alexandra Khmelevskaya, PhD student
- Leyi Zhang, PhD student