Blood stem cell damage in sickle cell disease
Investigating hematopoietic stem cell dysfunction during sickle cell disease
This project looks at how sickle cell disease stresses and wears out the blood's stem cells, which can affect long-term health and curative treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304493 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people with sickle cell disease, researchers will examine whether chronic inflammation and high blood cell turnover harm bone marrow stem cells using both patient samples and mouse models. They will measure how many stem cells are present, how well they function, and whether they show signs of aging or excessive cycling using tests like RNA sequencing and senescence biomarkers. The team will also study the bone marrow environment, stem cell release into the blood, and why some patients respond poorly to treatments such as hydroxyurea. Findings aim to point to ways to protect stem cells and reduce later risks like clonal blood disorders or problems after transplant or gene therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sickle cell disease—especially middle-aged patients or those planning or having undergone stem cell transplant or gene therapy—are the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without sickle cell disease or those unwilling or unable to provide blood or bone marrow samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ways to protect patients' blood stem cells and make curative treatments like transplants and gene therapy safer and more durable.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and early human studies have reported stem cell abnormalities and higher rates of clonal hematopoiesis in sickle cell disease, but protective interventions remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckinney-Freeman, Shannon L — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mckinney-Freeman, Shannon L
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 below.