How heme affects cell death in sickle cell disease
Official title: Heme-induced metabolic stress drives ferroptosis in sickle cell disease
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10931680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called heme, which builds up when red blood cells break down in sickle cell disease, causes stress in the body that leads to a harmful type of cell death, and it aims to find ways to help manage this issue for people living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,680 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience severe anemia and related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not exhibit significant metabolic dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of heme-induced metabolic stress in sickle cell disease (SCD), focusing on how it leads to a specific type of cell death known as ferroptosis. By analyzing metabolites in the blood of SCD patients, the study aims to understand how excess heme from red blood cell breakdown disrupts normal metabolic processes and contributes to disease severity. The researchers will use animal models to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets related to oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation in SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the health and quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic dysregulation in sickle cell disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Xingguo — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Xingguo
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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.