Identifying biomarkers to improve care for sickle cell disease
Official title: Discovery and validation of single cell biomarkers for clinical outcome in sickle cell disease
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11024615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to measure how severe sickle cell disease is by testing blood samples, which could help doctors make better treatment choices for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,126 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177019-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who are seeking improved management of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who are not actively seeking treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering and validating biomarkers that can accurately reflect the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD). By developing a novel assay to measure the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin and the biomechanical properties of red blood cells, the study aims to provide objective metrics for assessing patient outcomes. This could lead to better treatment decisions and improved patient care by allowing healthcare providers to tailor therapies based on individual biomarker profiles. The research will involve analyzing blood samples from patients to identify these critical biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for other conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach in sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, David Kevin — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Wood, David Kevin
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A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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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.