Improving organ transplant success by protecting blood vessel cells from injury
Official title: Ex vivo maintenance of endothelial cell barrier integrity via gap junction modification to prevent early ischemic injury in solid organ transplantation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10890184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help the cells that line blood vessels in transplanted organs stay healthy, so that patients can have better chances of their new organs working well and lasting longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,143 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173763-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing organ transplantation, particularly those receiving solid organ grafts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for organ transplantation or those with advanced organ failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to maintain the integrity of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, during organ transplantation. It focuses on preventing early injuries that can occur when donor organs are preserved and then reconnected to the recipient's blood supply. By modifying gap junctions in these cells, the study aims to enhance their ability to communicate and form a protective barrier, potentially leading to better outcomes for transplanted organs. Patients may benefit from improved graft survival and reduced risk of organ failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to higher success rates in organ transplants and longer-lasting grafts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing graft survival through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
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Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nadig, Satish N — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nadig, Satish N
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.