High-resolution imaging of blood vessel cells in ARDS
Biophysical Imaging
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11193831
Using advanced microscopes and analyses, the team will look closely at blood-vessel cells to understand how leaks develop in people with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This Biophysical Imaging Core uses specialized microscopes and tools to watch endothelial cells—the cells that line blood vessels—at very small scales and in three dimensions. Researchers grow and engineer endothelial cells with different proteins linked to ARDS and use live imaging, super-resolution, atomic force microscopy, TIRF, and traction-force measurements to see how cell junctions and the cytoskeleton change. The core supports multiple laboratory projects by providing equipment, technical training, and data analysis so scientists can spot real-time structural and mechanical changes that lead to barrier breakdown. The goal is to connect these cell-level observations to the processes that cause lung blood-vessel leak and breathing failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had ARDS, are at high risk for developing ARDS, or are willing to donate blood or lung samples for research would be the most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate clinical treatments or those without lung injury should not expect direct personal benefit from this laboratory-focused core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal specific cell mechanisms behind lung blood-vessel leakage and suggest new targets to prevent or treat ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous high-resolution imaging studies have uncovered key changes in endothelial cells, but turning those discoveries into effective ARDS treatments has remained challenging.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GREGORIO, CAROL C — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: GREGORIO, CAROL C
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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome