Understanding how specific proteins affect blood and bone stem cells
Official title: Defining the role of Wnt11 and Wnt5a in regulating hematopoietic and skeletal stem cell self-renewal potential during homeostasis and stress
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11110487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, Wnt11 and Wnt5a, help keep blood and bone stem cells healthy and able to renew themselves, which could lead to better treatments for blood and bone-related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $296,266 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135090-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with conditions affecting blood cell production or bone health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute blood disorders or those not requiring stem cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of Wnt11 and Wnt5a proteins in regulating the self-renewal of hematopoietic and skeletal stem cells, which are crucial for blood and bone health. By studying how these proteins interact with stem cells in the bone marrow, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that maintain stem cell function during normal conditions and stress. The approach involves co-culturing stem cells with specialized bone marrow cells to observe changes in their ability to self-renew and survive. This could lead to new insights into how to enhance stem cell therapies for various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatments for blood disorders and enhance regenerative medicine strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing stem cell function through similar molecular pathways, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klug, Christopher — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Klug, Christopher
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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.