Sepsis-related DNA changes that may cause long-term immune weakness
Official title: Analyzing the long-term effects of DNA methylation meditated immunosuppression following sepsis
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11160639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether changes to DNA after sepsis lead to lasting immune weakness in people who survive sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150968-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults who survived sepsis (especially surgical sepsis), can provide blood samples, and are willing to attend follow-up visits and share health information.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of sepsis or those unable to give blood or attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect blood samples and medical information from people who survived sepsis to measure DNA methylation and related enzyme activity. They will compare immune system function and rates of new infections, physical decline, and mood problems over time. The team will link molecular findings (like increased DNA methyltransferase activity) to clinical and psychosocial outcomes to understand how epigenetic changes affect recovery. This work combines lab-based measurements with patient follow-up to find patterns that explain long-term problems after sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work may identify biological markers and pathways that explain persistent immune problems after sepsis and point to ways to restore immune health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies and the investigator's preliminary data show DNA methylation changes and increased DNMT activity after sepsis, but translating these findings into ways to help patients is still novel and developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wisler, Jon R — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Wisler, Jon R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.