Investigating how Gasdermin D affects blood cell development in aging
Official title: The role of Gasdermin D in the bone marrow microenvironment during clonal hematopoiesis progression
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11050209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the bone marrow affects clonal hematopoiesis, a condition that can happen in older adults when mutated blood stem cells grow too much, and it aims to find new ways to understand and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $123,409 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA289959-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 70, who may have clonal hematopoiesis or related blood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 70 or do not have clonal hematopoiesis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on clonal hematopoiesis, a condition where mutated blood stem cells expand, particularly affecting older adults. The study aims to understand how inflammation in the bone marrow, driven by non-blood cells, influences the progression of this condition. Using a novel human bone marrow organoid model, researchers will explore the role of Gasdermin D in this process, potentially leading to new insights into treatment options. The findings could help identify mechanisms that contribute to the risk of blood cancers in older populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating blood cancers associated with aging.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using Gasdermin D in this context is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding blood disorders and their progression.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Kehan — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ren, Kehan
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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.