Effects of hemin on blood vessel function in sickle cell disease
Official title: Diverse effects of hemin on the endothelium contribute to pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11175772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called hemin affects blood vessels in people with sickle cell disease, especially how it might lead to serious lung problems, and aims to find new ways to help improve treatments for these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $607,535 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL167875-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing pulmonary complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those not experiencing pulmonary complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hemin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, affects the blood vessels in patients with sickle cell disease. It focuses on understanding the role of hemin in causing serious lung complications, such as acute chest syndrome and pulmonary hypertension, which are common in these patients. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover how hemin influences the behavior of endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, potentially leading to harmful changes in the lungs. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for patients suffering from these complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target lung complications in sickle cell disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting hemin's effects on pulmonary endothelium is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding vascular complications in other diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fraidenburg, Dustin — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Fraidenburg, Dustin
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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.