Understanding how sickle cell disease affects blood stem cells
Official title: Investigating dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cell support in sickle cell disease mesenchymal stromal cells
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC · NIH-10923842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sickle cell disease affects the blood-forming stem cells and their support system in the bone marrow, focusing on how certain cells change and what that means for people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170678-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923842 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 the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the surrounding bone marrow environment. It focuses on how SCD alters mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are crucial for supporting HSC function. By examining changes in MSC behavior and gene expression, particularly the role of the EBF3 transcription factor, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to reduced HSC support in patients with SCD. This could involve laboratory studies using samples from individuals with SCD to analyze cellular interactions and responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance blood stem cell function in patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of bone marrow microenvironments in blood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cain, Terri — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
- Study coordinator: Cain, Terri
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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.