GPR68 and sepsis-related lung injury
GPR68 as a novel modulator of septic lung injury
Researchers aim to see if blocking a protein called GPR68 can reduce lung damage in people with sepsis-related ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167616 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how a proton-sensing protein called GPR68 influences lung inflammation and blood-vessel leak during severe sepsis and ARDS. Scientists will use lab-grown cells and animal infection models to change GPR68 activity and watch effects on immune signals, fluid leak, and lung tissue damage. They will measure cytokines, immune cell infiltration, and lung barrier function to understand how GPR68 controls the injury process. The goal is to identify whether targeting GPR68 could point toward new treatments for sepsis-related respiratory failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with sepsis that began in the lungs or with a current diagnosis of ARDS — especially bacterial pneumonia or suspected MRSA-related cases — would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: People with non-infectious causes of lung injury, stable chronic lung disease without acute sepsis, or those far from the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could point to new therapies that reduce inflammation and prevent or lessen breathing failure in sepsis-related ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Basic research on proton-sensing receptors suggests they affect inflammation, but using GPR68 as a target for ARDS is relatively new and largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Birukova, Anna — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Birukova, Anna
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.