How activated protein C helps protect blood vessel cells from damage
Official title: Endothelial Cytoprotective Signaling by Activated Protein C/Protease-activated Receptor-1
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10988298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called activated protein C can help protect the cells that line your blood vessels from damage, especially during serious conditions like sepsis, with the hope of finding new treatments for people with vascular diseases.
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 start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $542,785 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163931-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with endothelial dysfunction related to vascular diseases, such as those experiencing sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vascular conditions that do not involve endothelial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how activated protein C (APC) can protect endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, from damage and dysfunction, particularly in conditions like sepsis. The study focuses on understanding the signaling pathways involved, specifically how APC interacts with a receptor called protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) to enhance cell survival and maintain the integrity of blood vessel barriers. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for patients suffering from vascular diseases. Patients may benefit from potential new therapies that arise from this understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve endothelial function and reduce complications in patients with vascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using activated protein C for endothelial protection, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trejo, Joann — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Trejo, Joann
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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.