Enhancing lung surfactant production by blocking LRRK2 in newborns at risk for respiratory distress
Official title: Enhancing Lamellar Body Function via LRRK2 Inhibition to Reduce Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Severity
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11450930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether blocking a protein called LRRK2 can boost natural surfactant production in the lungs of newborns at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $778,127 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL180797-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns at high risk for RDS or infants with surfactant production challenges; preterm infants and patients with ABCA3-related surfactant disorders may be relevant for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Adults or non-perinatal patients without surfactant-related lung issues are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers aim to see if inhibiting LRRK2 can enlarge lamellar bodies and increase surfactant gene activity during perinatal development, potentially reducing the need for invasive treatments in preterm babies. The work uses human iPSC-derived lung organoids and perinatal models to explore how LRRK2 inhibition affects autophagy, vesicle trafficking, and surfactant production under stress. If successful, this could point to a new therapeutic strategy that supports babies’ lungs during a vulnerable time in early life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, it could lead to safer, more effective therapies that support surfactant production and reduce invasive ventilation for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed LRRK2 inhibitors enlarge lamellar bodies and are reversible without causing lung injury in animal models, supporting potential relevance to human surfactant biology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leibel, Sandra Lawrynowicz — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Leibel, Sandra Lawrynowicz
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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.