How red blood cells affect oxygen delivery during sepsis and transfusion
Official title: Red blood cell ATP export and transfusion in sepsis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11004703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how red blood cells help deliver oxygen in the body, especially during serious infections and after blood transfusions, to find ways to improve treatment and outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $609,442 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL161071-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing sepsis, particularly those with anemia who may require blood transfusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing sepsis or do not require blood transfusions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how red blood cells (RBCs) manage oxygen delivery in the body, particularly during sepsis and after blood transfusions. It focuses on the role of ATP, a molecule that RBCs export to help regulate blood flow and oxygen availability. The study will use mouse models to explore how impaired ATP export from RBCs can lead to complications like acute lung injury and increased mortality in septic patients. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to improve transfusion practices and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better transfusion strategies that minimize lung injury and improve survival rates in septic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding RBC function in sepsis can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmahon, Timothy J — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mcmahon, Timothy J
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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.