# MIRA R35: Fibrin(ogen) in regulating health and disease

> **NIH NIH R35** · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · 2024 · $385,660

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Fibrin(ogen) plays a critical role in processes such as wound healing, coagulation, cancer, pregnancy, and
inflammation. Fibrin(ogen), which is a blood plasma protein, forms a hierarchical network that gives rise
to its unique mechanical and enzymatic stability. There is a need to understand the interplay between
changes in the biochemical microenvironment that lead to the resulting fibrin network structure and its
mechanical properties. We seek to apply engineering and biophysical techniques to address these
fundamental questions. The long-term goal of the laboratory is to delineate the role that the structure-
function relationship of fibrin(ogen) plays in regulating health and disease. To do this we will characterize
the relationship of fibrin network structure with viscoelastic and rupture mechanics. Then, we will assess
the rupture resistance of fibrin-collagen composites. We will determine how these two materials behave
mechanically both together and at their interface to better understand the regulation of wound healing. We
will study kinetics and the enzymatic dissolution of fibrin networks, where we will probe the influence of
medications on stability. These fundamental studies have important translational and diagnostic
implications going forward.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10940647
- **Project number:** 1R35GM155242-01
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- **Principal Investigator:** Valerie Tutwiler
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $385,660
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10940647

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10940647, MIRA R35: Fibrin(ogen) in regulating health and disease (1R35GM155242-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10940647. Licensed CC0.

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