Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded a Project Grant of $121,854.00 to Indiana University Indianapolis under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) for the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. This five-year mentored research award supports an investigation into the role of S-nitrosothiols (nitrogen oxide derivatives) in sepsis pathophysiology. The research project delivers scientific analysis of tissue S-nitrosothiols through both in-vivo and ex-vivo methodologies to define the relationship between circulating S-nitrosothiol concentrations, including those contained in extracellular vesicles, and patient outcomes in sepsis. The research team has developed and validated a non-invasive device for in-vivo measurement of tissue S-nitrosothiols, which will be utilized to characterize how these bioactive molecules contribute to vascular dysfunction and multi-organ failure in sepsis cases.

This award supports the long-term career development of the principal investigator through a structured mentored research program designed to establish a research portfolio examining S-nitrosylation signaling biology and to identify novel therapeutic targets for sepsis treatment. The research directly addresses a critical global health challenge, as sepsis accounts for an estimated eight million deaths annually worldwide and remains a leading cause of mortality in the pediatric population. By establishing the biological mechanisms and clinical significance of S-nitrosothiols in sepsis, this research is expected to inform development of targeted therapeutic interventions for this life-threatening condition.