How diet affects blood cell function and sickle cell disease
Official title: The impact of diet on granulopoiesis, neutrophil function, and sickle cell disease pathology
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10949521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what you eat might affect blood cell function and the severity of sickle cell disease, especially in young people, to find out if certain foods can help improve health for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $89,640 |
| NIH project number | 1K38HL174893-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those interested in how nutrition may affect their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who are not interested in dietary interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of diet in influencing blood cell function and the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD). It aims to understand how early life nutritional factors impact the immune system, particularly neutrophils, which are crucial in SCD pathology. By analyzing blood samples from SCD patients and using a mouse model, the study will explore the relationship between dietary inputs and disease outcomes. The goal is to identify potential dietary regulators that could improve patient health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve health outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary factors can influence immune function and disease severity, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Ethan Andrew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mack, Ethan Andrew
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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.