Restoring nitric-oxide activity in stored blood to improve transfusions
Restoration and Function of S-Nitrosothiol in Stored Blood
This work aims to restore nitric-oxide-related molecules in stored blood so transfusions deliver oxygen more effectively to patients who need red blood cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you might need a blood transfusion, researchers are studying why stored blood sometimes fails to deliver oxygen well and can worsen tissue injury. They found that a molecule called S-nitrosylated hemoglobin (SNO-Hb) drops during storage and that replacing it can fix blood flow problems in lab and animal tests. The team has developed drugs that can restore SNO-Hb and is measuring tissue oxygenation in people after transfusion. Clinical testing is underway at Case Western Reserve and partner sites to see whether these approaches improve outcomes after transfusion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need red blood cell transfusions or who are eligible for clinical studies measuring tissue oxygen after transfusion would be the main candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People who do not receive blood transfusions or whose care involves only platelets or plasma (not red cells) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make red blood cell transfusions safer and improve oxygen delivery to organs, lowering the risk of complications like kidney or heart injury.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies and early clinical work show restoring SNO-Hb can correct storage-related oxygen delivery problems, and first-in-class renitrosylating agents are already in early human testing.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamler, Jonathan S. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Stamler, Jonathan S.
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 below.