‘Stiff’ cells provide new explanation for differing symptoms in sickle cell patients
February 12, 2026 — A new breakthrough study led by biomedical engineering researchers could explain why patients with the same genetic sickle cell mutation experience different levels of pain, organ damage and response to treatment.
The study published in Science Advances, shows that the severity of sickle cell disease is not best predicted by the average “thickness” of a patient’s blood, but by the specific behavior of a small population of highly “stiff” red blood cells. These stiff cells reorganize themselves within the flow, pushing their way to the edges of blood vessels—a process called margination. This creates significantly more friction and resistance than flexible cells.
"Our work bridges the gap between how single cells behave and how the entire blood supply flows," said David Wood, a professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Biomedical Engineering and senior author of the study.
Using advanced microfluidic "chips" that mimic human blood vessels, the team discovered key ways flow is disrupted.
"I am really excited we were able to provide greater insight into the physical mechanisms driving the disease," added Hannah Szafraniec, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and lead author on the paper. "This could help the field develop more effective, personalized therapies and new testing for early warning of symptoms."