Helping lung air sacs heal by targeting the Dot1L enzyme
Control of lung alveolar regeneration by Dot1L/H3K79 methylation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11309122
This research explores whether blocking a protein called Dot1L can help the lung's tiny air sacs regrow after injury to help people with acute lung damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow tiny lab versions of alveoli (lung organoids) and used a drug screen to find molecules that change how those air-sack cells grow. The team focuses on Dot1L, an enzyme that changes histone H3K79 and appears to control how alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells multiply and become gas-exchanging type 1 cells. Follow-up experiments use cell models and likely animal tests to map the molecular steps that control alveolar regeneration and identify drug targets that might speed repair after acute injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had recent acute lung injury, severe pneumonia, or ARDS and are recovering but have impaired alveolar repair would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, irreversible lung scarring (advanced pulmonary fibrosis) are less likely to benefit from therapies that promote alveolar regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that speed repair of damaged alveoli and improve breathing and recovery after acute lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Epigenetic-targeting approaches and organoid screens have shown promise in lab models for other tissues, but using Dot1L inhibitors for alveolar repair is largely new and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORRISEY, EDWARD E — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: MORRISEY, EDWARD E
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.
Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury