Investigating genetic factors in sickle cell disease and its complications
Official title: Clonal hematopoiesis and inherited genetic variation in sickle cell disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11062390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might affect people with sickle cell disease and their risk of developing serious issues like blood cancers, so if you have sickle cell disease, your participation could help find better treatments tailored just for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $701,641 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing complications related to heart, lung, or kidney function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not exhibit complications related to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how genetic variations contribute to the complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and other serious conditions. By examining the genetic makeup of individuals with SCD, the researchers aim to identify mutations that may lead to clonal hematopoiesis, a condition that can predispose patients to blood cancers and organ damage. The study will involve analyzing blood samples and genetic data from participants to uncover these links and improve treatment strategies. Patients may be offered advanced therapies, including stem cell transplants, based on their genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments and improved outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic mutations in blood disorders can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bick, Alexander — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bick, Alexander
Related research
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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.