How immune cell metabolism after injury controls bone marrow and healing
Neutrophil Metabolism Regulates Hematopoiesis After Trauma
This project looks at whether chemical changes made by immune cells at injury sites tell the bone marrow to change blood cell production after severe trauma, which could affect recovery for people with major injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11329243 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the researchers are studying how a molecule called itaconate, made by mature neutrophils at injury sites, communicates with the bone marrow after severe trauma. They use a lab model of multi-part injury that causes abnormal bone growth and apply single-cell RNA sequencing and metabolomics to profile cells and metabolites. The team manipulates neutrophil metabolism and signaling (including TLR9 pathways and glucose/glutamine use) to see how those changes alter blood cell production in the marrow. Although much work is in lab models, the goal is to reveal signals that could be targeted to improve healing and immune recovery after trauma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced recent severe traumatic injury or who are at risk for heterotopic ossification and abnormal immune recovery would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated chronic conditions or minor injuries that do not involve acute inflammation or bone marrow changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to normalize blood cell production and reduce harmful bone overgrowth after severe injuries, improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown myeloid-derived itaconate can limit heterotopic bone formation, but using neutrophil metabolism to control bone marrow hematopoiesis is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tower, Robert — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tower, Robert
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.