# Systematic multidisciplinary approach to study traumatic bleeding as a complex structural and biomechanical problem

> **NIH NIH R00** · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · 2020 · $248,998

## Abstract

Fibrin plays a critical role in hemostasis, thrombosis and wound healing by providing mechanical stability
to blood clots that undergo deformation due to (patho)-physiologic conditions. Fibrinogen is rapidly
depleted from the blood following traumatic injury which can lead to the development of coagulopathy, or
bleeding; this has been correlated with an increased risk of death and a maladaptive inflammatory
response. Importantly, trauma is the leading cause of death among young people. We have amassed
considerable evidence that fibrinogen, fibrin, and clot structure are key drivers of thrombotic disorders.
However, little is known regarding how changes in fibrinogen and fibrin clot formation during trauma
coagulopathy may link hemostasis, inflammation, and immunity after trauma. In Specific Aim 1 I propose
to take a multidisciplinary approach to systematically examine blood clot formation, structure, mechanics,
and fibrinolytic properties in the trauma setting. In Specific Aim 2 I plan to examine the interplay between
fibrin and the inflammatory cells, macrophages, in coagulopathy. Cutting edge experimental, imaging, and
mechanical testing techniques will be used in vitro and in vivo assays with both reconstituted and patient
samples to develop a holistic understanding of this complex process. In Specific Aim 3, the information
gained during this examination will be used to inform the design of immuno-modulatory hemostatic
biomaterials for potential use in trauma patients. Gaining the fundamental knowledge proposed here will
inform the understanding of bleeding and hemostasis, the interplay between fibrin and inflammatory cells,
and the use of fibrin in biomaterials.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10204239
- **Project number:** 4R00HL148646-02
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- **Principal Investigator:** Valerie Tutwiler
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $248,998
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10204239

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10204239, Systematic multidisciplinary approach to study traumatic bleeding as a complex structural and biomechanical problem (4R00HL148646-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10204239. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*