Cell-free RNA in the blood and inflammation after serious injury
Extracellular nucleic acids in trauma innate immunity
This project looks at whether bits of RNA released from damaged cells in the blood drive harmful inflammation after traumatic injuries and could point to new ways to protect patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144968 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers measure circulating RNA fragments in the blood of people and mice after blunt trauma to see how those RNAs affect immune cells. They use small RNA sequencing to identify which RNA pieces rise after injury and lab tests to show how those RNAs activate macrophages to make inflammatory signals. In mice, they test what happens when the RNA-sensing pathway (TLR7) is missing to see if blocking that sensor reduces inflammation and organ damage. The overall approach combines patient blood samples, mouse models, and cellular experiments to find molecular drivers of post-trauma organ injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people recently hospitalized for moderate to severe traumatic injuries, especially non-hemorrhagic blunt trauma, who can provide blood samples.
Not a fit: People with non-traumatic chronic illnesses or those too unstable for blood sampling or follow-up are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that block RNA-driven inflammation and reduce organ damage and infections after trauma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human studies, including the team's preliminary data, suggest circulating RNAs can trigger inflammation, but targeting RNA-driven innate immune signaling after trauma is still a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zou, Lin — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Zou, Lin
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.