Bmp-Cx40 signaling to keep lung blood vessels calm after transplant
Official title: BMP-Cx40 Signaling as a Regulator of Endothelial Quiescence in Lung Transplantation
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11459240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aims to keep blood vessels in transplanted lungs stable by boosting a specific signaling pathway to reduce injury after transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $793,976 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL189279-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11459240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing lung transplantation who are at risk for primary graft dysfunction or related acute lung injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing lung transplantation or those without endothelial injury may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on preventing damage to transplanted lungs by keeping the lung’s blood vessel lining calm and leak-free after surgery. It examines a natural signaling system called BMP–Cx40 that helps maintain blood vessel stability and proper communication between cells. Using data from mouse, human lung models, and pig lung devices, researchers will explore how boosting this pathway affects inflammation and barrier function after transplantation. If successful, this work could point to new strategies to reduce early lung injury and improve transplant success.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to therapies that reduce early lung injury after transplantation and improve graft survival.
How similar studies have gone: Early data suggest BMP signaling and Cx40 influence vascular stability, but their specific role in lung transplantation is not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atkinson, Carl — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Atkinson, Carl
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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.