Until May 19, 1972, the National
Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases; until June 23,
1981, the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive
Diseases; until April 8, 1986, the National Institute of Arthritis,
Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Mission
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases (NIAMS) was established in 1986. The mission of NIAMS
is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention
of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training
of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and
the dissemination of information on research progress in these
diseases.
The Institute also conducts and supports basic research on the
normal structure and function of joints, muscles, bones, and skin.
Basic research involves a wide variety of scientific disciplines,
including immunology, genetics, molecular biology, structural biology,
biochemistry, physiology, virology, and pharmacology. Clinical
research includes rheumatology, orthopaedics, dermatology, metabolic
bone diseases, heritable disorders of bone and cartilage, inherited
and inflammatory muscle diseases, and sports and rehabilitation
medicine.
Important Events in NIAMS History
November 20, 1985—The Health Research Extension
Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-158) authorized the establishment of the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
April 8, 1986—NIAMS was established.
February 18, 1987—The first meeting of
the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory
Council was held.
April 15, 1996—NIAMS held a 10th anniversary
symposium: "Progress and Promise in Chronic Disease."
April 2006—NIAMS celebrated its 20th anniversary.
NIAMS Legislative Chronology
August 1950—An arthritis program was established
within the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases
under Public Law 81-692.
May 1972—P.L. 92-305 renamed the Institute
the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive
Diseases,.
1973—Senator Alan Cranston introduced legislation
that would eventually lead to the National Arthritis Act. Companion
legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Paul Rogers.
January 1975—The National Arthritis Act
(P.L. 93-640) established the National Commission on Arthritis
and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases to study the problem of arthritis
in depth and to develop an arthritis plan. The act also established
the position of associate director for arthritis and related musculoskeletal
diseases and authorized an interagency arthritis coordinating committee;
community demonstration project grants; an arthritis data bank;
an information clearinghouse; and comprehensive centers for research,
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education.
April 1976—After a year of study and public
hearings, the commission issued a comprehensive plan aimed at diminishing
the physical, economic, and psychosocial effects of arthritis and
musculoskeletal diseases. It laid the groundwork for a national
program encompassing research, research training, education, and
patient care.
October 1976—The Arthritis, Diabetes, and
Digestive Diseases Amendments of 1976 (P.L. 94-562) established
the National Arthritis Advisory Board to review and evaluate the
implementation of the Arthritis Plan, prepared in response to the
National Arthritis Act (P.L. 93-640).
December 1980—P.L. 96-538 changed the name
of the Institute to the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes,
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 1982—The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) conferred bureau status on the
Institute, resulting in creation of the Division of Arthritis,
Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases and the appointment of a division
director.
November 1985—The Health Research Extension
Act of 1985, P.L. 99-158, established the National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to bring increased
emphasis to research on these disorders. The legislation provided
for the development of a plan for a national arthritis and musculoskeletal
diseases program, and establishment of 2 interagency coordinating
committees, one on arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases and one
on skin diseases. It also expanded the activities of the National
Arthritis Advisory Board to include musculoskeletal and skin diseases.
September 1993—The NIH Revitalization Act
of 1993 (P.L. 103-43) called on NIAMS to establish "an information
clearinghouse on osteoporosis and related bone disorders to facilitate
and enhance knowledge and understanding on the part of health professionals,
patients, and the public through the effective dissemination of
information."
October 2000—The Children’s Health Act
of 2000 (P.L. 106-310) called on NIAMS to expand and intensify
research programs on juvenile arthritis and related conditions,
in coordination with other NIH Institutes and the Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Further
language stipulated that the Institute’s current information clearinghouse
include resources on juvenile arthritis and associated conditions.
November 2000—The Lupus Research and Care
Amendments of 2000, which passed as part of the Public Health Improvement
Act (P.L. 106-505), required NIAMS to expand and intensify research
and related activities regarding lupus, and to coordinate such
efforts with other NIH Institutes, as appropriate. Among other
provisions, the bill called for information and education programs
for health professionals and the public.
December 2001—The Muscular Dystrophy Community
Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2001, or the
MD-CARE Act (P.L. 107-84), called on several components of NIH,
including NIAMS, to enhance research on muscular dystrophy, including
establishing Centers of Excellence.
February 2003—The Office of the Secretary,
HHS, was called on to establish a Federal working group on lupus
for the purpose of exchanging information and coordinating Federal
efforts regarding lupus research and education initiatives (P.L.
108-7, Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY 2003). NIAMS, as the lead
institute at the NIH for lupus research, was asked to lead this
Federal working group. The group is comprised of representatives
from all relevant HHS agencies and other Federal departments having
an interest in lupus.
October 2008—The Paul D. Wellstone Muscular
Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE)
Amendments of 2008 (P.L. 110-361) officially named the muscular
dystrophy centers of excellence as the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular
Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers. In addition, the Muscular
Dystrophy Coordinating Committee was authorized to give special
consideration to enhance the clinical research infrastructure to
test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy.
Biographical Sketch of NIAMS Director Stephen I.
Katz, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Katz earned a B.A. degree cum laude in history from the University
of Maryland, College Park; an M.D. degree cum laude from Tulane
University Medical School, New Orleans, LA; and a Ph.D. degree
in immunology from the University of London, England. He completed
a medical internship at Los Angeles County Hospital, CA; a residency
in dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, FL;
military service at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington,
DC; and postdoctoral work at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
In 1974 he joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a
senior investigator in the Dermatology Branch of the National Cancer
Institute (NCI), becoming acting chief in 1977 and chief from 1980
to 2001. He is still an active senior investigator. From 1989 to
1995, he also served as Marion B. Sulzberger professor of dermatology
at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in
Bethesda, MD. On August 1, 1995, he was appointed Director of NIAMS.
Dr. Katz’s studies of Langerhans cells and epidermally derived
cytokines have demonstrated that skin is a critical component of
the immune system both in its normal function and as a target in
immunologically mediated diseases. He has also made seminal discoveries
in the field of inherited and acquired blistering skin diseases.
At NCI, he led a program of investigations in fundamental biological
and clinical problems in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases of
the skin. He has trained a large number of immunodermatologists
from the United States and abroad. These individuals are now leading
their own independent research programs.
Dr. Katz has received many Government- and private-sector honors
and awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American
Skin Association, the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, Presidential
Executive Meritorious Rank Award, Public Health Service Superior
Service Award, NIH Director's Award, Sulzberger Lecture Award from
the American Academy of Dermatology, Martin Carter Mentor Award
from the American Skin Association, Alfred Marchionini Gold Medal,
Outstanding Alumnus Award of Tulane University School of Medicine,
Stephen Rothman Memorial Award of the Society for Investigative
Dermatology (SID), Inflammatory Skin Disorders Research Award,
Scleroderma Foundation's Messenger of Hope Award, International
Pemphigus Foundation's Excellence in Leadership Award, Arthritis
Foundation's Marriott Lifetime Achievement Award, honorary membership
in many international dermatologic societies, and election into
the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.
He has served many scientific organizations in leadership positions
such as president of SID, membership on the board of directors
of SID and of the Association of Professors of Dermatology, secretary-general
of the World Congress of Dermatology, and secretary-treasurer of
the Clinical Immunology Society. In addition, he was named president
of the International League of Dermatological Societies in 1997,
for a 5-year term.
Dr. Katz has also served on the editorial boards of most clinical
and investigative dermatology journals and many immunology journals.
He has authored or coauthored more than 200 scientific articles
and 60 book chapters and edited several conference proceedings
and books.
NIAMS Directors
Name |
In Office from |
To |
Lawrence E. Shulman,
M.D., Ph.D. |
April 1986 |
October 1994 |
Michael D. Lockshin (Acting), M.D. |
November 1994 |
July 1995 |
Stephen I. Katz, M.D.,
Ph.D. |
August 1995 |
Present |
Research Programs
NIAMS supports a multidisciplinary program of basic, clinical,
and translational investigations; epidemiologic research; research
centers; and research training for scientists within its own facilities
as well as grantees at universities and medical schools nationwide.
It also supports the dissemination of research results and information
through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse and through the NIH
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases~National Resource Center.
The NIAMS Extramural Program supports research via grants
and contracts in 2 Divisions: the Division of Skin and Rheumatic
Diseases and the Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases. A wide array
of basic, translational, and clinical research and research training
in the fields of rheumatology, muscle biology, orthopaedics, bone
and mineral metabolism, and dermatology is being pursued through
these programs.
The Intramural Research Program of NIAMS conducts innovative
basic, translational, and clinical research relevant to the health
concerns of the Institute and provides training for investigators
interested in careers in these areas. The ultimate goals are: 1)
to provide new insights into the normal function of bones, joints,
skin, and muscles and diseases that affect them; and 2) to generate
a cadre of well-trained investigators to continue toward a complete
understanding of these structures and the disease conditions that
affect them adversely.
Extramural Research Program
Known as "extramural" research, most funding for NIAMS
supports investigators involved in a wide spectrum of basic, clinical,
epidemiologic, training, and other programs in universities, medical
schools, and academic health centers. Research in the NIAMS Extramural
Program's 2 Divisions—the Division of Skin and Rheumatic
Diseases and the Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases—is
conducted as follows:
Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases
The mission of this Division is to promote and support basic,
translational, and clinical studies of the skin in normal and disease
states; and research leading to prevention, diagnosis, and cure
of rheumatic and related diseases. Research is managed under 2
main areas:
Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases. The overall goals of
the programs in this area are to advance high-quality basic, translational,
and clinical biomedical and biopsychosocial research to treat,
cure, and prevent arthritis and rheumatic diseases. This includes
work that advances the understanding of the natural history of
these disorders, as well as mechanisms of disease susceptibility
and development. The programs support research in rheumatoid arthritis;
adjuvant and chemically induced inflammatory arthritis; systemic
lupus erythematosus; systemic scleroderma; spondyloarthropathies;
dermatomyositis and myositis; vasculitis; fibromyalgia; juvenile
arthritis and general autoimmunity; the basic biology of cartilage
and related diseases (such as osteoarthritis) and heritable disorders
of connective tissue (such as Marfan's syndrome); gout; Lyme disease;
and infection-related arthritis. An important dimension of these
programs involves taking advantage of new insights in the fields
of genetics, genomics, proteomics, and imaging related to arthritis
and rheumatic diseases. NIAMS is committed to pursuing new opportunities
that identify risk factors for these disorders, enhance disease
prediction, and advance prevention strategies.
Skin Biology and Diseases. The programs in these areas
support a broad portfolio of basic and translational research in
skin. These efforts include work on the developmental and molecular
biology of skin, the study of skin as an immune organ, and the
genetics of skin diseases. Areas of particular emphasis include:
investigations of stem cells found in skin; metabolic studies of
skin, such as the effects of hormones and interactions with enzymes;
and immunologically mediated cutaneous disorders, such as atopic
dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and vasculitis. Research is underway
to better understand keratinizing disorders such as psoriasis and
ichthyosis; disorders of pigmentation such as vitiligo; and bullous
diseases such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa.
Other studies encompass acne and the physiologic activity of the
sebaceous glands, as well as disorders of the hair, such as alopecia
areata. Tremendous opportunities exist in the field of skin diseases
research, from work toward a deeper understanding of the basic
biology of skin, to new approaches for developing artificial skin,
to advances in imaging technologies for diagnosis and tracking
of skin disease progression. NIAMS is committed to pursuing these
and other avenues of research to improve health outcomes for patients
with skin diseases.
Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the skeleton, which
provides mechanical support and determines shape; the muscles,
which power movement; and connective tissues such as tendon and
ligament, which hold the other components together. The cartilage
surfaces of joints and the intervertebral discs of the spine allow
for movement and flexibility.
The Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases supports research aimed
at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases
and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and its component tissues.
Key public health problems addressed by this research include osteoporosis,
osteoarthritis, and muscular dystrophy. Research is conducted at
every level, from fundamental biology to clinical intervention.
Research is managed under 3 main areas:
Bone Biology and Diseases. The programs in these areas
cover a broad spectrum of research to better understand genetic
and cellular mechanisms involved in the buildup and breakdown of
bone. Research areas include: regulation of bone remodeling; mechanisms
of bone formation, bone resorption, and mineralization; and effects
of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines on bone cells. The programs
emphasize the application of fundamental knowledge of bone cell
biology to the development of drug and gene therapies for bone
diseases, especially osteoporosis. This program area supports several
large epidemiologic cohorts for the characterization of the natural
history of osteoporosis and for the identification of genetic and
environmental risk factors that contribute to bone disease. Like
other cohort studies supported by NIAMS, the ultimate goals are
to contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools, treatments,
and prevention strategies.
Muscle Biology and Diseases. The programs in these areas
support a wide range of basic, translational, and clinical research
projects in skeletal muscle biology and diseases. They focus on
the fundamental biology of muscle development, physiology, and
muscle imaging. Particular interests include the basic biology
of satellite and muscle stem cells, excitation-contraction coupling,
muscle metabolism, and adaptation of muscle to exercise. The programs
address a need for translational research to develop discoveries
that enhance treatment and improve management of muscle and musculoskeletal
diseases and disorders. The overarching objective is to advance
the understanding of—and ultimately prevent and treat—muscular
dystrophies, inflammatory myopathies, muscle ion channel diseases,
and muscle disorders such as disuse atrophy and age-related loss
of muscle mass.
Musculoskeletal Biology and Diseases. The programs in
these areas focus on understanding the fundamental biology of tissues
that constitute the musculoskeletal system, and on translating
and applying this knowledge to a variety of diseases and conditions.
Research includes the study of the causes and treatment of acute
and chronic injuries—including carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive
stress injury, and low back pain—and clinical and epidemiological
studies of osteoarthritis. The programs support the development
of new technologies such as methods for imaging bone and cartilage
to improve the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal disorders, or
to facilitate the repair of damage caused by trauma to otherwise
healthy musculoskeletal tissue. Therapeutic approaches of interest
in the programs include drugs, nutritional interventions, joint
replacement (including biomaterials and implant science), bone
and cartilage transplantation, and gene therapy. Tissue engineering,
regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and musculoskeletal fitness
are areas of special emphasis.
Intramural Research Program
The NIAMS Intramural Research Program (IRP) consists of 11 main
components: Office of the Clinical Director, Office of Science
and Technology, Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, Autoimmunity Branch,
Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch, Genetics and Genomics
Branch, Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, Laboratory
of Muscle Biology, Laboratory of Skin Biology, Laboratory of Structural
Biology Research, and Protein Expression Laboratory.
The Office of the Clinical Director implements
innovative clinical research programs that relate to the broad
field of rheumatologic, musculoskeletal, and skin disorders. Through
specific programs in translational research, rheumatology fellowship
training, and health partnerships, the Office of the Clinical Director
plays an important role in establishing innovative therapeutic
paradigms, in providing medical education in the field of rheumatology,
and in reaching out to the community to reduce health care disparities
and to improve the understanding of rheumatic and related diseases.
- Translational Research Program. The Bridge Between
Basic Research and Clinical Disease. A goal of clinical investigation
is to bridge information gained from laboratory research with
that afforded by clinical experience. Carefully designed observational
and interventional studies provide opportunities to verify basic
biological understanding of disease. These studies then bring
back to the laboratory new insight into the biology of the human
body.
- Rheumatology Fellowship Program. The NIAMS/NIH Rheumatology
Fellowship Training Program is dedicated to the clinical and
research training of physicians wishing to pursue careers in
biomedical or translational research related to the rheumatic
diseases. The fellowship program is 2 years in duration, with
extensions available for individuals interested in advanced research
training. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council
for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and graduates are eligible
to sit for the certifying examination in the subspecialty of
rheumatology.
- NIAMS Community Health Center. The NIAMS Community
Health Center is a health information and medical center, carrying
out research and providing health care services to people affected
by arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases. The health
center offers patient care with access to a specialist, health
information and education programs, and referral to clinical
investigations for the prevention and treatment of rheumatic
diseases. The health center is located in upper northwest Washington,
DC.
The Office of Science and Technology encompasses
an infrastructure of research and support facilities designed to
enhance the research capabilities of all scientists of the IRP.
In addition, members advise the Scientific Director, Laboratory
and Branch Chiefs, and other key officials on collaborative and
cooperative activities, training programs, and proper use of laboratory
animals. Members also negotiate and facilitate scientific collaborations
that involve trans-institute and trans-NIH initiatives and agreements.
The Office includes the following:
- The Career Development Section serves as a resource
to all NIAMS students, fellows, and their sponsors to ensure
that NIAMS continues to attract the best fellows and provide
them with a genuine growth experience.
- The Flow Cytometry Section provides state-of-the-art
multiparameter analytic and sorting capabilities for IRP investigators.
- The Laboratory Animal Care and Use Section provides
support to all IRP branches and laboratories using animals.
- The Light Imaging Section functions as a core facility,
offering IRP scientists access to state-of-the-art light imaging
equipment and expertise in light imaging techniques.
- The Biodata Mining and Discovery Section assesses
the scientific computing needs of IRP scientists and develops
strategies and designs computational support for researchers.
- The Translational Immunology Section provides NIAMS
investigators with services, consultative advice, and in-depth
instructions in a variety of immunologic methods to facilitate
their interpretation of immunoassays most relevant to a particular
clinical trial or to study a particular patient.
The Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch conducts
a variety of basic and clinical investigations. The historical
focus of the branch has been the study of the autoimmune rheumatic
diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
and myositis. Current studies focus on inflammatory and genetic
diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.
The Autoimmunity Branch conducts basic and clinical
research on the pathophysiology and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Signal transduction pathways that differentiate normal and pathological
immune responses are studied in mouse models and human tissue samples
to gain insights into how these processes drive autoimmune diseases
and how therapies can best be developed for these diseases that
minimize generalized immune suppression. The TNF-family of cytokines
and their receptors are a current focus of interest in the branch,
from basic investigation of the trafficking and signaling by these
molecules to the study of human diseases involving TNF-family cytokines
and their receptors.
The Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch,
which consists of the Cartilage Molecular Genetics, Developmental
Biology, Orthopaedics, and Tissue Engineering Sections,
conducts basic and clinical research directed towards understanding
the mechanisms regulating cartilage function, the basis of cartilage
and orthopaedic diseases (such as osteoarthritis), and the development
of functional cartilage tissue substitutes. Researchers are using
cellular, molecular, bionomic, and bioengineering approaches to
analyze cartilage development, growth, diseases, and aging, as
well as applying the emerging technology of tissue engineering
for functional cartilage replacement.
The Genetics and Genomics Branch identifies and
characterizes susceptibility genes for rheumatic and inflammatory
diseases. This includes the study of Mendelian autoinflammatory
diseases such as Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), tumor necrosis
factor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), neonatal onset multisystem
inflammatory disease (NOMID), and the syndrome of pyogenic arthritis
with pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA). The branch also studies
genetically complex conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Included
in the branch are the Inflammatory Biology Section and
the Genomics Section.
The Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch conducts
basic and clinical investigations on the molecular mechanisms underlying
immune and inflammatory responses in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.
A major focus is the study of receptor-mediated signal transduction
and how these processes link to the regulation of genes involved
in inflammatory responses. Included in the branch are the Lymphocyte
Cell Biology, Genomic Integrity, and Molecular
Inflammation Sections.
The Laboratory of Muscle Biology conducts a broad
range of research in muscle and structural biology. This includes
the molecular mechanisms of contraction, muscle elasticity and
plasticity, differentiation and assembly of muscle cells, pathobiology
of muscle diseases, and the development and application of emerging
technologies in proteomics and nanotechnology in muscle research.
The Laboratory of Skin Biology conducts basic
research on the skin and its diseases, emphasizing the epidermis.
The Laboratory of Structural Biology Research conducts
research into the structural basis of the assembly and functioning
of macromolecules and their complexes (such as viruses and cytoskeletal
proteins), and the mechanisms and proteins that control their assembly.
These studies make extensive use of cryoelectron microscopy and
3-dimensional image processing in studies of virus infection and
replication; renewal of the epidermis, with maintenance of barrier
function; prionogenesis (structural transitions of infectious proteins
called prions); and intracellular protein quality control by energy-dependent
proteases.
The Protein Expression Laboratory plans and conducts
research on the expression, purification, and structural characterization
of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HIV-related proteins.
Laboratory scientists also collaborate with NIH intramural researchers
studying the structure and function of HIV and HIV-related proteins.
The lab serves as a support and resource group for the expression
and purification of these proteins.
Communications
The Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL)
leads the NIAMS efforts in information dissemination, public input,
and health education. OCPL disseminates health and research news
and updates, creates print and Web publications, manages the NIAMS
Web site, coordinates outreach and promotion, and serves as a point
of contact for the media, the public, and public organizations.
OCPL oversees the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse, which operates
a toll-free service to provide information and information sources
on arthritis and rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal and connective
tissue disorders, and skin diseases. OCPL also oversees the NIH
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases~National Resource Center,
which disseminates information on bone diseases.
This page was last reviewed on
April 20, 2009
.