What causes small-vessel blood clots in thrombotic microangiopathies
Pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathies
This project looks at how immune attacks and genetic changes lead to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), aiming to help people who get dangerous small-vessel blood clots.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124217 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study blood samples and the antibodies that attack ADAMTS13, the enzyme that normally prevents dangerous clotting. They will read antibody genetic sequences (VDJ and CDR3 regions) to look for patterns tied to harmful versus harmless antibodies. The team will also examine ANKRD26 and the related 36 gene family to see if changes there affect platelet production and inflammation. Laboratory experiments and animal models will be used to test how these antibody and genetic changes drive disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), particularly those with low ADAMTS13 activity or detectable ADAMTS13 autoantibodies, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People with congenital (hereditary) TTP or clotting disorders that are not caused by ADAMTS13 autoantibodies would likely not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable tests or treatments that block harmful antibodies or correct platelet problems to prevent iTTP episodes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified ADAMTS13-targeting autoantibodies and genetic links to platelet disorders, but combining antibody sequence signature analysis with ANKRD26/36 genetics and animal modeling is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, X. Long — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zheng, X. Long
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 below.