New pathways that control inflammation-linked fatty molecules

Novel pathways in eicosanoid biosynthesis and metabolism

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-11141061

Learning how the body makes and changes inflammation-related fatty molecules and how common drugs like aspirin alter them, which matters to people who take NSAIDs or have inflammatory conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11141061 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project looks at how enzymes in the body create and modify eicosanoids, a family of fat-based signaling molecules tied to inflammation and health. Researchers use biochemical experiments and lipidomics (detailed molecule profiling) to discover new eicosanoids and the enzyme steps that create them, including aspirin-driven changes. They also study how these molecules are further metabolized and whether plasma or urine breakdown products can serve as markers of drug response. The work aims to connect these chemical pathways to how NSAIDs affect the body and to improve interpretation of blood and urine tests.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants would be people who regularly take aspirin or other NSAIDs, or patients with inflammatory conditions willing to provide blood or urine samples.

Not a fit: People who never use NSAIDs and have no inflammatory condition are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better tests to show who will respond to NSAIDs and help guide safer use of drugs like aspirin.

How similar studies have performed: Previous lipidomics and biochemical studies have identified aspirin-altered prostaglandins and other novel eicosanoids, so parts of this approach have succeeded before while some pathways remain newly discovered.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.