How fibrinogen and factor XIII affect blood clotting and bleeding
Using genomics and functional biology to understand fibrinogen and factor XIII and their effects on thrombotic diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11251929
This project looks at genes and blood proteins that influence clotting and bleeding to better understand risks for blood clots and bleeding problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine genetic data with lab experiments to study two blood proteins, fibrinogen and factor XIII, that control how blood clots form and stabilize. They will measure different fibrinogen forms (including the γ' variant) and FXIII activity, and link those measurements to genetic variants found across diverse populations. The team will use functional biology tests to see how specific genetic changes alter protein behavior and clot structure. By including people of different ancestries, they aim to clarify genetic effects that were missed in earlier studies focused mainly on European populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a personal or family history of blood clots or unexplained bleeding, older adults, or people willing to provide blood samples—especially those of African ancestry—would be the ideal candidates to contribute data.
Not a fit: People whose health issues are unrelated to blood clotting or who need immediate treatment for an acute condition are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve prediction of clotting or bleeding risk and point to more precise prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic studies in largely European groups linked fibrinogen levels to clotting risk, but genetics of FXIII activity and the distinct roles of γ' versus γA fibrinogen—particularly in non-European populations—are less explored, so this builds on past findings while addressing new gaps.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORRISON, ALANNA C — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MORRISON, ALANNA C
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.