How activated protein C and PAR1 protect the cells that line blood vessels
Endothelial Cytoprotective Signaling by Activated Protein C/Protease-activated Receptor-1
This work tests whether activated protein C and its partner receptor PAR1 help blood-vessel lining cells resist damage in conditions like sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are mapping the chain of molecular events that let activated protein C (APC) keep the lining of blood vessels intact and prevent cell death. They will focus on how the PAR1 receptor signals through beta-arrestin-2 instead of traditional G proteins, and how caveolin-1 phosphorylation, GRK5, and co-receptors shape that protective signaling. The team will use cell-based experiments and molecular tools, and may use model systems to trace these pathways in detail. The goal is to identify specific molecules or steps that could be targeted by future therapies to strengthen the blood vessel barrier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at high risk for endothelial injury—such as those with sepsis, severe infections, or inflammatory vascular conditions—are the populations most likely to benefit from therapies that come from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses do not involve endothelial damage or who need immediate clinical interventions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that strengthen the blood vessel lining and reduce organ damage in sepsis and other vascular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies and early drug efforts showed that APC can stabilize blood-vessel barriers, but clinical trials of APC-based therapies for sepsis had mixed results, so this deeper mechanistic work is seeking clearer targets.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trejo, Joann — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Trejo, Joann
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.