Molecular and imaging study of blood clots and inflammation in pulmonary embolism
Official title: Molecular and morphometric imaging of coagulation and inflammation in pulmonary embolism pathogenesis
Funded at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, INC · NIH-11333828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project uses a mouse model to understand how blood clots and inflammatory cells affect pulmonary embolism and its outcomes, with the goal of better diagnosis and treatment for people with PE.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Utica, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $714,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158816-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute pulmonary embolism or at risk of PE who may benefit from improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefit may be limited for patients not affected by PE or those outside the scope of translational applications at this stage.
What this research studies
This project creates a mouse model where blood clots form inside veins and are then moved to the lungs to mimic PE. It uses advanced imaging to track inflammation and clot-related processes over time, focusing on neutrophils, macrophages, platelets, and endothelial activation. The goal is to map how clot age, burden, and the body's response influence acute risk and longer-term lung changes. Findings could guide safer therapies and smarter strategies to predict who is at higher risk of complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better risk stratification and more targeted treatments for PE, reducing bleeding risks from therapy and preventing long-term lung problems.
How similar studies have gone: Prior models have explored PE, but this study’s long-lived emboli and detailed molecular imaging are novel and may provide new insight.
Where this research is happening
-
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, INC
Utica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kessinger, Chase William — Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, INC
- Study coordinator: Kessinger, Chase William
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This study tests whether removing clot with a targeted catheter approach helps people with submassive pulmonary embolism feel better and move more easily, compared with not using catheter therapy.
-
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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.