How heme affects the function of immune cells in the body
Official title: Intracellular trafficking of the essential signaling metabolite heme in myeloid cells: impact on physiology and disease
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10990452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called heme affects certain immune cells in your body, which could help us understand better how these cells work during inflammation and lead to new treatments for immune-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $780,012 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138430-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with immune-related disorders or those undergoing treatments that affect myeloid cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to immune system function may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of heme, an essential metabolite, in the differentiation and function of myeloid cells, which include monocytes and macrophages. By examining how heme influences these immune cells in their local tissue environment, the study aims to uncover new insights into their physiological roles and how they respond to inflammation. The research employs various experimental approaches, including genetic manipulation in mice, to understand the underlying mechanisms of heme signaling and its impact on immune cell behavior. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving immune dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for conditions related to immune system dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic signals in immune cell function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saez, Enrique — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Saez, Enrique
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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.