Investigating how Endothelin 1 affects iron handling in sickle cell disease
Official title: Endothelin 1 in iron handling in sickle cell disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11047817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called Endothelin 1 affects iron buildup in the kidneys of people with sickle cell disease, and it hopes to find new ways to lower that iron and help keep their kidneys healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,821 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173038-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing kidney complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not have kidney-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Endothelin 1 (ET-1) in the accumulation of iron in the kidneys of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It aims to explore the mechanisms behind kidney iron overload, which is a significant complication for many SCD patients. By studying both human patients and animal models, the research will assess how targeting ET-1 with specific antagonists can reduce kidney iron levels and improve kidney function. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatment strategies that can protect the kidneys from damage caused by excess iron.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent kidney damage in sickle cell disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for iron overload in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasztan, Malgorzata — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kasztan, Malgorzata
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
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.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.