Investigating a protein's role in preventing abdominal scar tissue after surgery
Official title: Modulation of S100a4 in post-operative abdominal adhesion complications
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11065094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called S100a4 affects the development of scar tissue in the abdomen after surgery, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent painful complications like bowel obstructions and infertility for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,155 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK142213-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone abdominal or pelvic surgeries and are at risk for developing adhesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had abdominal or pelvic surgeries are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the S100a4 protein contributes to the formation of abdominal adhesions, which are scar tissues that can develop after surgeries involving the abdomen. By studying a mouse model with reduced S100a4 levels, the researchers aim to uncover the biological processes that lead to adhesion formation and persistence. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies to prevent these complications, which can cause pain, bowel obstructions, and infertility in patients. The findings could lead to innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes after abdominal surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the incidence of painful and debilitating abdominal adhesions after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar biological pathways to reduce adhesion formation, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loiselle, Alayna — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Loiselle, Alayna
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.