RBC SNO transport and endothelial sticking in sepsis
Official title: Aberrant RBC SNO transport and endothelial adhesion in sepsis
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-11387181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how red blood cells and nitric oxide in sepsis patients might affect blood flow and why certain transfusion practices don’t always help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2017 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX003478-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute lung injury or acute pulmonary injury who require transfusions and are at risk for sepsis or have sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit patients not receiving blood transfusions or those without sepsis-related complications.
What this research studies
This project looks at how early changes in stored red blood cells may make them stick more to blood vessels, which could worsen outcomes in critically ill patients. It uses mouse models to test how a key SNO transport protein in endothelial cells influences red blood cell adhesion after transfusion. The study also examines how sepsis changes the transfer of SNO between cells and whether this increases vascular sticking and inflammation. The goal is to understand if improving SNO transport could reduce harmful clotting and improve recovery in sepsis and acute lung injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent excessive endothelial adhesion and improve outcomes for severely ill patients who receive blood transfusions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that RBC SNO export can reduce endothelial adhesion in animals, suggesting a promising but not yet proven approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmahon, Timothy J — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mcmahon, Timothy J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots
A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care
A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.
-
Role of MMP3 in heart dysfunction during sepsis
This research tests whether blocking MMP3 can protect the heart and improve survival during sepsis in adults.
-
Sepsis patient care guided by Ugandan-wide immune profiling
A large NIH-funded study will map how the immune system behaves during sepsis in people in Uganda to improve personalized care for sepsis patients.
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.