Blood-vessel cell interactions in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Endothelial-pericyte interactions in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11158648
This project looks at how two tiny blood-vessel cell types interact in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension to help protect lung capillaries and the right side of the heart.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158648 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers compare lung vascular cells from people with PAH to cells from healthy donors to understand why small lung vessels are lost. They focus on signaling molecules called Wnt5a and ROR2 and use molecular tools, including CRISPR, to change these signals in cells and mouse models. By testing whether restoring normal endothelial–pericyte interactions preserves capillaries and right ventricular blood supply, the team aims to identify targets for new therapies. The work combines patient-derived samples, cell experiments, and animal studies to link laboratory findings to human PAH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension who can provide tissue or participate in protocols that supply lung or vascular cells, or who receive care at sites collaborating with the research team.
Not a fit: People without PAH or with forms of pulmonary hypertension not driven by small-vessel loss are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that preserve or rebuild tiny lung blood vessels and prevent right heart failure in people with PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have shown that reduced Wnt5a/ROR2 signaling harms endothelial–pericyte interactions and causes vessel loss, but translating these findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DE JESUS PEREZ, VINICIO A — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DE JESUS PEREZ, VINICIO A
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.