How prothrombin is activated in blood clotting
Official title: Structural basis of prothrombin activation
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11321668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how a key blood-clotting protein (prothrombin) is switched on, which could improve our understanding of bleeding and clotting disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 1994 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $502,356 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL049413-30 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-enrolled study; however, insights from this work may inform future therapies for blood clotting disorders in patients.
✕Less likely to help
Direct participation by patients is not part of this grant.
What this research studies
This NIH grant focuses on uncovering the detailed shape and movements of the molecules involved in prothrombin activation using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers will map how prothrombinase interacts with prothrombin and meizothrombin and will determine the structures of prothrombin, meizothrombin, and Factor X in different forms. The work aims to reveal the sequence of events and conformational changes that lead to clot formation. Findings could illuminate new targets for therapies addressing abnormal blood clotting while building on prior cryo-EM advances in the field.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A clearer picture of how blood clots form could lead to better treatments for bleeding disorders and thrombosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cryo-EM studies have successfully detailed structural steps in coagulation factors, with this work extending those insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Di Cera, Enrico — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Di Cera, Enrico
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Selective Targeting of Nurr1 for Alzheimer’s Disease
A small study tests new brain-targeted compounds to help people with Alzheimer’s by reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells.
-
Understanding how TDP-43 clumps cause brain cell damage in dementia
A research team is studying how clumps of TDP-43 protein mess with brain cell functions in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, with the goal of identifying what goes wrong and where.
-
Encephalitogenic stem-like T cells in MS and its disease models
This grant explores a specific type of brain-accumulating T cell linked to multiple sclerosis and tests new analytical tools to understand them better.
-
Endothelial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease: a data-driven model for diagnosis and prognosis
This research explores brain blood vessel problems in people with Alzheimer’s to find new biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict progression.
-
How alcohol may damage the brain’s protective barrier and how to stop it
Researchers are studying how heavy drinking could weaken the brain’s shield by changing a signaling system called LPA in blood vessels of the brain, and whether blocking parts of this system could help.
-
A brain immune-cell receptor (GPR56) and its link to Alzheimer's
Testing whether changing activity of a microglial receptor called GPR56 can reduce Alzheimer's brain plaques and related damage in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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.