How Factor XII may drive clots and inflammation in sickle cell disease
Role of Factor XII in Thrombo-Inflammatory Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
This project looks at whether blocking Factor XII can reduce blood clots, painful vaso-occlusive crises, and organ damage in people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a blood protein called Factor XII that appears overactive in people with sickle cell disease. They will analyze patient blood cells and samples to measure FXII activation and how it affects neutrophils, clotting, and adhesion. In mouse models of sickle cell disease they will test an antibody that blocks both inactive and active FXII to see if it prevents venous thrombosis, microvascular stasis, and organ injury. Results from the lab and animal work will help decide whether this approach should move toward testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sickle cell disease—especially those who have frequent vaso-occlusive crises or a history of venous blood clots—would be the most relevant candidates to donate samples or join future trials.
Not a fit: People without sickle cell disease or whose problems are unrelated to clotting are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a safer, targeted anticoagulant approach that lowers clotting and painful crises without increasing bleeding risk.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data in mice and laboratory studies of patient samples suggest blocking FXII can reduce thrombosis and microvascular stasis, but clinical trials in people are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pawlinski, Rafal L — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Pawlinski, Rafal L
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.