Blocking HIPK2 to reverse artery scarring in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Administrative Supplement for R01HL166932
This project tests whether blocking a protein called HIPK2 can reduce abnormal growth of small lung artery muscle cells in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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 ID | NIH-11337927 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at why small arteries in the lungs narrow in pulmonary arterial hypertension, focusing on a protein named HIPK2 that is increased in diseased arteries. Researchers will examine human lung tissue and experiments in pulmonary artery muscle cells to see if lowering HIPK2 slows cell overgrowth and restores normal cell death. The team will use molecular tools and drug-like approaches in cells and experimental models to explore ways to reverse artery remodeling. The longer-term aim is to find treatment candidates that could move into clinical testing for people with PAH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, particularly those who have donated lung tissue or receive care at PAH research centers, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with other types of pulmonary hypertension, unrelated lung diseases, or healthy volunteers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that shrink narrowed lung arteries, lower lung pressure, and improve symptoms and survival for people with PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting proteins that drive abnormal cell proliferation has shown promise in laboratory models and some clinical settings, but using HIPK2 specifically for PAH is a new and untested approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kudryashova, Tatiana V — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kudryashova, Tatiana V
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.