Imagine a world where heart attacks, strokes, and traumatic injuries didn't leave lasting damage. Sounds incredible, right? Well, a collaborative project between Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Trinity University is striving to make this a reality. They're working on a groundbreaking solution to combat the devastating effects of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI).**
This partnership is tackling a complex problem: when blood flow is cut off (ischemia), and then restored (reperfusion), it can paradoxically cause further damage. The very treatment meant to save lives can sometimes lead to lasting harm.
But here's where it gets controversial... The sudden rush of oxygen during reperfusion floods tissues with reactive oxygen species, like hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. This oxidative stress can cause significant and permanent damage to cells and tissues.
Dr. Christina Cooley, an associate professor at Trinity University, discovered a promising compound called AA 147. This compound activates specialized proteins to protect against these damaging reactive oxygen species and ensure healthy protein function.
SwRI and Trinity are now collaborating to improve a 'prodrug' based on AA 147. And this is the part most people miss... Prodrugs are inactive compounds that become active inside the body. This approach allows for targeted delivery and activation of the therapeutic agent. They're developing a new borinic acid prodrug, using precursors developed at Trinity, to prevent IRI.
Dr. Christopher Dorsey, a senior research scientist at SwRI, explains that the new prodrug will target protein misfolding, a key driver of tissue damage during IRI. The team will synthesize the new formulation, and then train Trinity students in the new techniques. This collaboration provides an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and empower the next generation of scientists.
The researchers aim to optimize the release mechanisms of the prodrug to maximize its therapeutic effect, ultimately protecting patients at risk for IRI. After synthesis, Dr. Cooley and her students will conduct stability testing and other lab evaluations, gathering the critical data needed for future studies and clinical trials.
This project is funded by the Trinity-SwRI Research Collaboration Grant Program, established in 2025 to foster medical and biomedical research through collaboration. Together, Trinity University and SwRI invested $250,000 in three unique biomedical research projects this year.
Dr. David Ribble, Dean of the D. R. Semmes School of Science, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, anticipating exciting results. Dr. Joe McDonough, Vice President of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division at SwRI, highlighted the program's goal to facilitate collaboration, provide opportunities for Trinity students, and drive medical breakthroughs.
What do you think? Are you optimistic about the potential of this research to improve outcomes for patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and traumatic injuries? Do you have any questions or thoughts about the use of prodrugs in medicine? Share your opinions in the comments below!
