Understanding how a specific type of cell death called pyroptosis works
Official title: Elucidating structural and functional mechanisms of pyroptosis
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11052663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of cell death that causes inflammation, focusing on a protein called gasdermin D, to find new ways to help people with diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $889,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's, or certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to inflammation or cell death mechanisms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates pyroptosis, a form of cell death that causes inflammation and the release of cellular contents. It focuses on the role of gasdermin proteins, particularly gasdermin D, in mediating this process. By studying how these proteins interact and lead to cell rupture, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Patients may benefit from insights gained about diseases linked to inflammation and cell death, such as Alzheimer's and various cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases characterized by excessive inflammation and cell death.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pyroptosis and its implications in various diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Hao — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wu, Hao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting the brain’s fluid system to treat post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
This grant explores a new approach to treating post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus by studying how the brain’s fluid system and immune cells manage CSF after a brain bleed.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital
A patient-focused registry project at Boston Children’s Hospital will collect and study information from people with spina bifida to improve care and outcomes.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry for Patients
A patient-facing registry that tracks severe chronic low neutrophil counts to improve understanding and care for people with this condition.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry to Improve Care
A patient-focused registry gathers information from adults with severe chronic neutropenia to better understand infections, treatments, and outcomes over time.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry: Finding Better Ways to Prevent Infections
A patient-focused registry at a leading hospital helps people with severe chronic neutropenia learn how the condition progresses and how treatments work over time.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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.