BMP3’s Role in Pulmonary Hypertension
Official title: Paracrine Action of BMP3 in Pulmonary Hypertension
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11401128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how BMP3 signals in the lungs might protect blood vessels in people with pulmonary hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160963-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pulmonary arterial hypertension or those with tissue/animal samples related to PAH who may contribute to biomarker or mechanistic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PAH or those not contributing samples or data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will look at BMP3 levels in lung tissue and blood from PAH patients and animal models to understand how BMP3 affects blood vessel cells. They will test whether BMP3 from smooth muscle cells can improve the function of endothelial cells and reduce dangerous vascular remodeling, using lab experiments and cell culture. The project includes comparing male and female biology to see if sex influences BMP3’s role. Findings could point to new ways to slow or treat PAH by targeting the BMP3 pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new therapies that reduce disease progression and improve heart and lung function in PAH patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows BMP signaling is important in PAH, but the specific role of BMP3 is still being defined, making this a promising but exploratory path.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sassi, Yassine — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Sassi, Yassine
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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.