Fatty acid-binding proteins and blood vessel changes in pulmonary hypertension
Fatty acid-binding proteins sustain endothelial glycolysis and arterial programming in pulmonary arterial hypertension
This research looks at whether two fatty acid‑binding proteins in the cells that line lung arteries change cell metabolism and drive the blood‑vessel remodeling that causes pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11072974 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying how two proteins (FABP4 and FABP5) in the cells that coat lung arteries affect how those cells produce energy and take on artery‑like characteristics. They will use genetically modified animal models and laboratory cell experiments to trace how these proteins influence the HIF‑2α and SOX17 signaling pathways. The team will examine resulting changes in glycolysis and the formation of obstructive vascular lesions that lead to right‑heart strain. Their lab work aims to link these molecular steps to the severe vessel remodeling seen in PAH and point toward possible treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are the population that would ultimately benefit and could be candidates for future related clinical studies.
Not a fit: People without PAH or whose symptoms have nonvascular causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to prevent or reverse the harmful blood‑vessel remodeling in PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked fatty acid metabolism to PAH, but targeting endothelial FABP4/5 and the HIF‑2α/SOX17 arterial program is a relatively new, preclinical approach not yet tested in human trials.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Zhiyu — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dai, Zhiyu
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.