Promoting renewal of red blood cell precursors

Erythroid Self-Renewal

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11138605

Testing ways to help immature red blood cell precursors keep multiplying so we can make more healthy red blood cells for people with anemia or blood disorders.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are studying how immature red blood cell precursors divide and renew themselves, using experiments in lab dishes and animal models. They focus on a gene called BMI1 and related pathways, including cholesterol-related genes, that seem to let these precursor cells expand for longer. Past work found that altering BMI1 can produce human cells that keep renewing in the lab, and the team is exploring the detailed mechanisms behind that effect. The goal is to learn how to safely produce large numbers of red blood cell precursors that could eventually help patients needing transfusions or treatments for anemia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with anemia or other red blood cell disorders, as well as healthy blood donors willing to provide samples, would be relevant participants or sample sources for this research.

Not a fit: Patients with unrelated medical conditions or those needing immediate emergency care are unlikely to directly benefit from this laboratory-focused work in the short term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable new ways to grow large numbers of red blood cells for transfusions and lead to improved treatments for anemia.

How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies have shown BMI1 can expand human erythroid cells in vitro, but translating this into clinical therapies remains untested.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.