Oxidative Cysteine Modification in Sickle Cell Disease
Official title: Oxidative Cysteine Modification by Thiol Isomerases in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Bloodworks · NIH-11377675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with sickle cell disease will explore how oxidation-sensitive proteins called thiol isomerases affect blood vessel blockages and whether targeting them could help prevent painful vaso-occlusive crises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bloodworks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL164888-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who may experience vaso-occlusive crises.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or without risk of vaso-occlusion are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
In people with sickle cell disease, blockages in blood vessels cause painful crises and organ damage. The project will examine how thiol isomerases, enzymes that modify cysteine molecules, contribute to redox-related blood vessel problems and clot formation. Using existing laboratory data and animal studies as a starting point, the researchers will investigate how these enzymes influence cell adhesion and thrombosis under oxidative stress. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce vaso-occlusive events in patients with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent painful vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest thiol isomerases affect thromboinflammation, but the exact mechanism in SCD-related vaso-occlusion is not yet understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Bloodworks
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Moua — Bloodworks
- Study coordinator: Yang, Moua
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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.