How human-only genes change the body's response to severe injury
Mechanism of action of uniquely human genes in the injury response
Researchers are looking at how genes found only in humans change the immune reaction after severe injuries like burns or trauma to help improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11374759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on genes that exist only in humans and how they affect the widespread inflammation that can follow major injuries. Scientists will study the effects of these human-specific genes in lab-grown human immune cells and in animal models engineered to mimic human gene activity to explain differences between animals and people. They are concentrating on a human gene called CHRFAM7A that can alter anti-inflammatory signaling and may make some drugs less effective in humans. The team aims to use these findings to guide better anti-inflammatory therapies for patients with severe injury or burn-related complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have suffered severe trauma, major burns, or acute lung injury and are at risk of a systemic inflammatory response would be the most relevant group for related future studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with minor injuries or chronic conditions not driven by an acute systemic inflammatory response are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more effective anti-inflammatory treatments that reduce multi-organ failure and deaths after severe trauma or burns.
How similar studies have performed: Many anti-inflammatory approaches worked well in animal models but failed in human trials, so focusing on human-specific genes is a newer approach with limited prior clinical success.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costantini, Todd W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Costantini, Todd W
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.