Finding new ways to treat myelodysplastic syndromes by focusing on gasdermin D
Official title: Targeting gasdermin D to treat myelodysplastic syndromes
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11092318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for new ways to calm bone marrow inflammation in people with myelodysplastic syndromes, hoping to stop the disease from getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,762 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169507-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, particularly those experiencing bone marrow inflammation, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without myelodysplastic syndromes or those whose condition is not linked to gasdermin D-mediated inflammation may not directly benefit from this specific research direction.
What this research studies
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are often linked to ongoing inflammation in the bone marrow, which can make the disease progress. This research aims to understand the main causes of this inflammation, specifically looking at a molecule called gasdermin D. By studying how gasdermin D contributes to the inflammatory environment in the bone marrow, we hope to uncover new targets for treatment. The goal is to develop innovative therapies that can reduce inflammation, slow down MDS progression, and improve outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immune-based treatments that reduce bone marrow inflammation and prevent myelodysplastic syndromes from worsening.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of inflammation in MDS is increasingly recognized, targeting gasdermin D as a specific upstream regulator represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Peng — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Ji, Peng
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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.