Understanding blood clotting and kidney issues in people with sickle cell trait
Official title: Mechanisms of venous thrombosis and renal dysfunction in sickle trait
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11030729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how having sickle cell trait might cause unexpected health problems, like blood clots and kidney issues, by examining blood samples and using mice to understand what happens to red blood cells in certain situations, and it's for anyone with sickle cell trait who wants to learn more about their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,149 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who carry the sickle cell β-globin gene and have been diagnosed with sickle cell trait.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the sickle cell β-globin gene or have other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sickle cell trait (SCT), often considered harmless, may lead to serious health issues like blood clots and kidney disease. By examining blood samples from individuals with SCT and using a mouse model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that cause red blood cells to behave abnormally under certain conditions. The research will analyze how these changes contribute to venous thrombosis and chronic kidney dysfunction, potentially leading to new insights into treatment options. Collaborations with other institutions will help recruit participants and enhance the study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of health risks associated with sickle cell trait.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that sickle cell trait can be linked to increased risks of venous thrombosis and kidney issues, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Key, Nigel S. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Key, Nigel S.
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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.