Understanding how free heme affects blood vessels in pulmonary hypertension
Official title: Hemolysis and Free Heme Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11353992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Indiana University Indianapolis will explore how free heme and related signals contribute to pulmonary hypertension in people with red blood cell disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $727,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151447-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hemolytic disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia) or Group 1 PAH who have or are at risk for pulmonary hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hemolysis-related PH or those not at risk for pulmonary vascular complications may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how free heme from red blood cell breakdown triggers harmful signaling in the lungs’ blood vessels, focusing on the MKK3/p38 pathway and the role of INAVA as a heme sensor in endothelial cells. They will use human-related cell models and animal and/or tissue samples to identify the specific molecules that connect heme to vascular changes seen in Group 1 PAH. The goal is to map the steps from heme release to vessel dysfunction so future therapies can interrupt this process. The study builds on prior findings and aims to clarify the mechanism in human-like endothelial cells relevant to PH progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new targets to prevent or treat pulmonary hypertension in patients with hemolytic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests free heme can trigger endothelial signaling; this project seeks to define the mechanism in human-relevant cells.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafikov, Ruslan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Rafikov, Ruslan
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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.