Lowering S100a4 to prevent post-surgery abdominal scar tissue
Modulation of S100a4 in post-operative abdominal adhesion complications
Looks at whether lowering a protein called S100a4 can prevent or reduce abdominal scar tissue that causes bowel blockages, chronic pain, and infertility after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They will use a mouse model where the S100a4 protein is reduced to map the timing and molecular steps that lead to post-operative abdominal adhesions. The team will identify which cells and signals drive scar tissue formation and why some animals resist adhesions. Genetic knockdown tools and molecular analyses will be used to find pathways and targets that could be drugged or blocked. Findings are intended to guide development of therapies that could later be tested in people who have had abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or expect to have abdominal or pelvic surgery—especially those with prior surgeries who are at higher risk of adhesions—would be the likely candidates for future therapies derived from this research.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, dense adhesions already causing fixed organ damage or whose adhesions arise from non-surgical causes may not benefit from prevention-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent or reduce post-operative abdominal adhesions, lowering the risk of bowel obstruction, chronic pain, and infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Animal data from this team show that reducing S100a4 lowers adhesion formation in mice, but translating this approach into safe and effective human treatments has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loiselle, Alayna — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Loiselle, Alayna
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 below.