How the protein RIPK2 makes radiation damage worse
Official title: Elucidating underlying mechanisms in RIPK2-mediated toxicity following exposure to radiation
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11116955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether blocking a protein called RIPK2 can reduce the harmful effects of radiation for people exposed during medical treatment, work, or military service.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006091-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have had significant radiation exposure, receive radiotherapy, or work in occupations with radiation risk would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without any history or risk of radiation exposure are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the protein RIPK2 contributes to sickness and death after radiation by comparing normal animals and cells with those that lack RIPK2. The work uses laboratory models to trace the molecular signals that drive tissue damage after different radiation doses. Early results in mice showed that animals without RIPK2 survive doses that are lethal to normal animals, suggesting a key role for RIPK2 in radiation harm. The team aims to identify targets that could one day be turned into treatments to protect people from acute radiation effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to drugs or therapies that lessen radiation sickness and reduce long‑term cancer risk after exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal data reported by the team show mice lacking RIPK2 survive otherwise lethal radiation, but translating this into human treatments is new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gurung, Prajwal — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gurung, Prajwal
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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.