PFKFB3's role in keeping blood vessels tight during inflammation
Official title: Elucidating the role of PFKFB3 as a regulator of vascular barrier integrity
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11336057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a metabolic regulator called PFKFB3 affects the lining of blood vessels during inflammation, with the goal of preventing leaks that can worsen disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,900 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM139763-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with inflammatory conditions where vascular leakage is a concern, or individuals with diseases that involve endothelial dysfunction, but this grant is primarily preclinical and uses animal models.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory vascular issues may not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
What this research studies
Endothelial cells line blood vessels and can become leaky during inflammation. The project studies how PFKFB3, a regulator of glycolysis, influences the cell’s structure and barrier function, potentially causing tighter or looser junctions between cells. By using animal models and cellular assays, researchers will examine whether inflammation-driven PFKFB3 changes lead to increased permeability and abnormal cytoskeletal interactions. The aim is to link metabolic changes to vascular barrier integrity and identify targets to preserve vessel function in inflammatory conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect blood vessel walls during inflammatory diseases, potentially reducing swelling and tissue damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that altering PFKFB3 and glycolysis can affect endothelial behavior and permeability in models of inflammation.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cleuren, Audrey — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Cleuren, Audrey
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.