Published in Blood, a new study led by UNC School of Medicine’s Alisa Wolberg, PhD, reveals that reducing or blocking the protein that causes blood clot breakdown does not increase the formation of dangerous clots known as thromboses.
CHAPEL HILL, NC — A new study from UNC School of Medicine researchers, published this week in Blood, provides fresh insight into how the body forms and dissolves blood clots—and may help reshape how doctors treat patients at risk of bleeding.
Led by Alisa Wolberg, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, the research team found that stopping the breakdown of blood clots does not necessarily increase the risk of dangerous clots, a concern that has long limited use of certain medications in people who bleed easily.
“For years, we’ve known that blood clots are essential to stop bleeding, but they eventually need to dissolve so the body can return to normal,” said Wolberg. “However, a concern has been that preventing that breakdown might push the body toward harmful clotting. What we’ve found is that this may not be the case.”
The study used a wide range of tools—examining patients who are naturally missing a key clot-dissolving protein, employing genetically modified mouse models, and exploring genes and proteins that control clot breakdown. Across all approaches, the findings were the same: reducing or blocking the protein that causes clot breakdown did not increase the formation of dangerous clots known as thromboses.
The findings are especially important for patients who experience severe or frequent bleeding, such as trauma patients, individuals with bleeding disorders, or women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Medications like tranexamic acid, which help prevent clots from breaking down, have been shown to reduce bleeding—but are sometimes avoided due to concerns about clotting risks.
“This research helps us better understand clot biology, and it also provides reassurance that these bleeding treatments may be safer than previously believed,” said Wolberg. “That means more patients who need these medications might be able to receive them.”
The study highlights not only an important scientific advance, but also the essential role of biomedical research in improving health outcomes.
“Our work demonstrates the power of discovery science,” said Wolberg. “This kind of research can translate directly into better, safer treatments—and ultimately, save lives.”
This study was supported by the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Italian Ministry of Health, and the European Union.
Media contact: Brittany Phillips, Communications Specialist, UNC Health | UNC School of Medicine
