Blocking the FXIII-fibrinogen kiss to prevent dangerous clots
Official title: Defining the factor XIII-fibrinogen interaction and its role in venous thrombosis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11297264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing research opportunity to explore how stopping a specific clot-strengthening interaction could reduce dangerous blood clots without stopping normal clotting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2016 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $682,879 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL126974-09A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11297264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults at risk for venous thrombosis who could participate in future trials or provide samples for studying FXIII-fibrinogen interactions.
✕Less likely to help
People whose clots are not driven by FXIII-fibrinogen interactions or who have bleeding risks that preclude new therapies may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a particular protein interaction in the clotting process contributes to vein clots and aims to find ways to interrupt it. It builds on prior findings in animals and humans showing that FXIII-fibrinogen binding makes clots heavier and more obstructive. The research team will use laboratory studies and disease-relevant models to identify molecules that block this interaction and test their potential to limit thrombosis while preserving normal healing. If successful, the work could guide new therapies that reduce clot risk for people with venous thrombosis or related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, it could lead to safer anticoagulant strategies that prevent big clots without impairing normal blood clotting.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown FXIIIa-fibrin crosslinking influences thrombus mass, supporting progression to targeted approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolberg, Alisa S. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wolberg, Alisa S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.