How the von Willebrand factor helps stop bleeding in the body
Official title: Mechanical regulation of von Willebrand factor
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10659169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called von Willebrand factor helps your blood clot when you bleed, and it aims to find new ways to treat bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease, which could lead to better therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $478,701 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153986-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with bleeding disorders, particularly those diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated coagulation disorders or those not experiencing bleeding issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in blood clotting, particularly how it interacts with platelets during bleeding. The study focuses on understanding the mechanical regulation of VWF, specifically how certain structures within the protein can be activated under stress conditions. By examining the molecular interactions and the effects of specific glycan structures, the research aims to uncover new strategies for treating bleeding disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for conditions like von Willebrand disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bleeding disorders, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited success in targeting the A1-GPIb-IX interaction for treatment, this research builds on preliminary findings that suggest a novel approach to understanding and potentially improving treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xiaohui — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xiaohui
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.