Investigating how activated protein C protects blood vessel cells from damage
Official title: Endothelial Cytoprotective Signaling by Activated Protein C/Protease-activated Receptor-1
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11234383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called activated protein C can help protect the cells that line our blood vessels, especially during serious illnesses like sepsis, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for people with blood vessel problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,583 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL163931-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11234383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from vascular diseases, particularly those experiencing endothelial dysfunction due to conditions like sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vascular health or those not affected by endothelial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how activated protein C (APC) can help protect the cells lining blood vessels, particularly in conditions like sepsis where these cells often become dysfunctional. The study aims to explore the signaling pathways involved, specifically how APC interacts with a receptor called protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) to enhance cell survival and maintain the integrity of the blood vessel barrier. By identifying the mechanisms through which APC exerts its protective effects, the research hopes to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to treat vascular diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved treatments for conditions characterized by endothelial dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with vascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using activated protein C for endothelial protection, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trejo, Joann — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Trejo, Joann
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.