ANT2 and mitochondrial dysfunction in COPD: how energy transport affects lung repair
Official title: The Role of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase in Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associated Senescence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11380637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how a key mitochondrial transporter (ANT2) may drive aging-like cell changes and repair problems in the lungs of people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $620,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168050-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with COPD or at risk due to cigarette smoke exposure, particularly those with interest in participating in cellular and tissue-based studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without COPD or those not contributing to cellular or tissue-based components may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
COPD damages lung repair cells, and this study explores whether a mitochondrial transporter called ANT2 worsens cell aging and epithelial repair in smokers’ lungs. Researchers will use human cell models and lung tissue to see how ANT2 loss or dysfunction changes mitochondrial function and senescence in alveolar type 2 cells. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapies that restore proper energy balance and repair in COPD-affected lungs. By understanding ANT2's role, the team hopes to identify targets to slow disease progression and improve lung function for patients with COPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could point to new strategies that protect lung repair cells and slow COPD progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked ANT2 and mitochondrial function to cell fate, providing a foundation for this study, with potential for novel COPD-specific insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kliment, Corrine R — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kliment, Corrine R
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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.