Investigating how red blood cell particles affect inflammation and blood clotting in sickle cell disease
Official title: Roles of Red Blood Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Complement Activation and Thromboinflammation in sickle cell disease
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10848500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles released from damaged red blood cells in people with sickle cell disease to see if they can help predict inflammation and blood clots, which are common issues for those with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,486 |
| NIH project number | 5K25HL159358-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience complications related to inflammation and blood clotting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not experience thromboinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of extracellular vesicles released from damaged red blood cells in sickle cell disease (SCD). These vesicles may serve as biomarkers for predicting inflammation and blood clotting, which are significant complications in SCD. The study will utilize advanced microfluidic systems and functional assays to explore how these vesicles interact with the complement system, a part of the immune response, under various stress conditions. By examining these interactions, the research aims to provide insights into disease activity and potential therapeutic responses for patients with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and managing complications in patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using extracellular vesicles in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of thromboinflammation in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: An, Ran — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: An, Ran
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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.