Endothelial glycocalyx and sepsis-related blood clotting
Official title: The Role of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Sepsis-Induced Coagulation
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11444736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A brain- and body-friendly study will explore how sepsis damages the protective glycocalyx on blood vessel walls and drives dangerous blood clots, with a goal to find new ideas for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,935 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL188995-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sepsis or suspected sepsis-associated coagulopathy who could participate in future translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit patients who do not have sepsis or coagulopathy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how sepsis leads to abnormal blood clotting by damaging the endothelial glycocalyx and altering how von Willebrand factor interacts with the vessel wall. Researchers will study molecular changes from direct infection of endothelial cells and the inflammatory “cytokine storm” to understand why traditional anticoagulants may fail. They will use a combination of biologic models and cutting-edge techniques to map which glycocalyx components and P-selectin interactions control VWF release and platelet recruitment. The goal is to identify targets that could be modulated to prevent clots without increasing bleeding risk. The work is designed to translate insight into potential new therapies for patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent severe clotting in sepsis and improve outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that vascular glycocalyx damage is linked to coagulopathy, but the specific mechanisms and therapeutic targets are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mensah, Solomon — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Mensah, Solomon
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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.