RecruitingNot Applicable

Genotype -Phenotype Correlation of PKLR Variants With Pyruvate Kinase, 2,3-Diphosphglycerate and Adenosine Triphosphate Activities in Red Blood Cells of People With Sickle Cell Disease

United States800 participantsStarted 2018-10-11

Plain-language summary

Background: Some people with the same disorder on a genetic level have more complications than others. Researchers want to look for a link between the PKLR gene and sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. The PKLR gene helps create a protein, called pyruvate kinase that is essential in normal functioning of the red blood cell. Differences in the PKLR gene, called genetic variants, may cause some changes in the pyruvate kinase protein and other proteins, that can affect functioning of the red blood cell adding to the effect of SCD. Researchers can study these differences by looking at DNA (the material that determines inherited characteristics). Objective: To study how the PKLR gene affects sickle cell disease. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-80 of African descent. They may have sickle cell disease or not. They must not have had a transfusion recently or have a known deficiency of pyruvate kinase. They cannot be pregnant. Design: Participants will be screened with questions. Participants will have blood drawn by needle in an arm vein. The blood will be genetically tested. Not much is known about how genes affect SCD, so the test results will not be shared with participants or their doctors. ...

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSUION CRITERIA: * Between 18 and 80 years of age * African or of African descent * Capacity to consent is required EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Self-reported history of blood transfusion within the last 8 weeks * Known to have pyruvate kinase deficiency and be on AG348 * All volunteers will undergo the consent process under this protocol to allow for eligibility assessment. Once they have been consented to participate, they will undergo procedures per Protocol.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Genotype the 4 PKLR intron-2 variants

Timeframe: Upon enrollment of each subject

Analysis of PK-R transcriptome in red blood cells

Timeframe: Interim analysis performed for each group N=125

Correlation of 2,3-DPG, ATP and pyruvate kinase activities with PKLR intron-2 variants

Timeframe: Interim analysis performed for each group N=125

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03685721

SponsorNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-01

Contact for this trial

Dianna S Lovins

(301) 480-3765 dianna.lovins@nih.gov

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sickle Cell trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Genotype the 4 PKLR intron-2 variants

Timeframe: Upon enrollment of each subject

Analysis of PK-R transcriptome in red blood cells

Timeframe: Interim analysis performed for each group N=125

Correlation of 2,3-DPG, ATP and pyruvate kinase activities with PKLR intron-2 variants

Timeframe: Interim analysis performed for each group N=125