How Fibrinogen Works in the Body
Fibrin(ogen) Structure and Interactions
This project explores how a key protein called fibrinogen affects inflammation and blood vessel growth, which are important in conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162491 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies use a protein called fibrinogen for many important jobs, like healing wounds and stopping bleeding. However, when it doesn't work correctly, it can contribute to serious problems such as heart disease and the spread of cancer. This work focuses on understanding how fibrinogen interacts with a newly found partner, N-cadherin, on the surface of blood vessel cells. By understanding these interactions, we hope to learn more about how inflammation and new blood vessel growth are controlled in various diseases. This knowledge could lead to new ways to manage these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with inflammation-related cardiovascular diseases or certain types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target fibrinogen's interactions to reduce harmful inflammation and control abnormal blood vessel growth in diseases like heart disease and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that a specific fibrin fragment can protect against inflammation in animal models, suggesting that targeting fibrinogen interactions holds promise.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medved, Leonid V. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Medved, Leonid V.
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.