Targeting cellular metabolism to reduce blood clots without raising bleeding risk
Official title: Regulating Cellular Metabolism and Energy Flow to Target Thrombosis
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11399989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new approach that adjusts how certain blood cells use energy to prevent dangerous clots in arteries, while aiming to keep bleeding risk low.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $703,839 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with high risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events who may benefit from safer antithrombotic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with conditions where platelet function or energy metabolism is not a contributing factor to thrombosis may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how platelets and white blood cells contribute to arterial clots and explores a metabolic approach to calm their overactivity. By inhibiting a key enzyme called ME1 in these cells, the study hopes to reduce energy production that drives activation and clot formation, potentially lowering thrombosis risk. The work includes early experiments with human cells and animal models to understand how this metabolic shift affects bleeding, a common concern with existing therapies. If successful, this strategy could offer a safer way to prevent heart attacks and strokes linked to thrombosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients at risk for arterial clots could experience fewer events with potentially lower bleeding risk than current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in human cells and mouse models suggest that lowering ME1 activity can reduce platelet activation and energy production, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Anil Kumar — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Anil Kumar
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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.