Investigating the role of a specific enzyme in sepsis and inflammatory disorders
Official title: The Role of DHCR7 in Endotoxemia
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11060904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called DHCR7 might play a role in sepsis, a serious infection that can harm your organs, and it aims to find new ways to treat sepsis and similar conditions, especially as antibiotics become less effective and more people are getting older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,400 |
| NIH project number | 5K08GM151392-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults or individuals with acute inflammatory conditions who are at risk for sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic, non-inflammatory conditions or those not at risk for sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the enzyme DHCR7 affects sepsis, a severe condition caused by infection that can lead to organ failure. The study will explore the relationship between DHCR7 and cholesterol metabolism in both zebrafish models and human patients. By using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating sepsis and other acute inflammatory diseases, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance and an aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for sepsis and related inflammatory disorders, improving survival rates and patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cholesterol metabolism in sepsis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacob, Vinitha — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Jacob, Vinitha
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.