Airway cell receptors and response to asthma medicines
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Regulation in Airway Myocytes
Looks at how helper proteins change airway cell receptors and how that affects common asthma inhalers for people with asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how beta-adrenoceptors—the receptors targeted by many asthma inhalers—are controlled inside airway muscle cells. Researchers will study molecular helper proteins called AKAPs and enzymes like HDAC11 that can change where receptors sit on the cell surface and how they respond to drugs. The team will use lab experiments with airway cells and build on related findings from fat-cell studies to trace these molecular changes. The aim is to point toward new ways to keep inhalers working longer and reduce loss of effect over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma who use beta-agonist inhalers and notice reduced relief or tolerance over time would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without asthma or whose breathing problems are due to non-bronchodilator causes are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new drug targets that help inhaled bronchodilators work longer and reduce tolerance in people with asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work improved beta-agonist drugs, but applying AKAP and HDAC11-based regulation (seen in fat cells) to airway receptors is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Penn, Raymond B. — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Penn, Raymond B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.