NIH-funded research Career grant

FGF signaling and vascular remodeling in lung hypertension

Official title: The protective role of fibroblast growth factor signaling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension

Funded at Washington University · NIH-11392512 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A doctor-scientist at Washington University is studying how fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling affects pulmonary hypertension and exploring new potential therapies.

More Hypertension research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$165,141
NIH project number5K08HL165108-05
Project IDNIH-11392512 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with pulmonary hypertension or related vascular conditions who could be aligned with future translational work or trials related to FGF signaling therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with pulmonary hypertension not connected to this specific signaling pathway or those not suitable for adenovirus-based approaches may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This project focuses on understanding how FGF signaling in blood vessels influences the development of pulmonary hypertension, especially under low-oxygen conditions. The investigator will study endothelial and smooth muscle cell interactions and test adenovirus-delivered FGF as a possible way to regulate abnormal blood vessel changes. The work combines basic biology with potential translational approaches to improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary hypertension. A strong mentorship plan and access to a rich research environment at WUSM support the goal of advancing toward independent physician-scientist status.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new ways to prevent or reverse lung blood vessel remodeling in pulmonary hypertension, potentially leading to better treatments.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that FGF signaling can influence vascular biology, providing a foundation for this approach, though translation to therapy is ongoing.

Where this research is happening

  • Washington University
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Woo, Kelvin — Washington University
  • Study coordinator: Woo, Kelvin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.