Understanding blood stem cell problems in sickle cell disease
Official title: Investigating hematopoietic stem cell dysfunction during sickle cell disease
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11059857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term inflammation and stress impact the blood-making stem cells in people with sickle cell disease, with the goal of finding better treatments for those who may not be getting the help they need from current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $637,721 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168893-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing complications related to blood stem cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those with other unrelated blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic inflammation and stress affect blood-sustaining stem cells in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). By examining the health and function of these stem cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind their dysfunction and the potential for developing better treatments. The researchers will analyze blood samples and use advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to identify changes in stem cell behavior and characteristics. This work is crucial for improving therapies for SCD, especially for patients who may not respond well to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies and better management of sickle cell disease, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding blood stem cell dysfunction in related conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckinney-Freeman, Shannon L — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mckinney-Freeman, Shannon L
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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.