How an oxygen-sensing switch in the lung may protect against severe lung inflammation
Functional Role of HIF-PHDs in ARDS
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11171523
This project is seeing whether blocking certain oxygen-sensing enzymes in the lung helps prevent severe inflammation in people who could develop ARDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171523 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is studying how HIF1A, a protective oxygen-sensing protein in lung cells, is controlled by enzymes called PHDs during ARDS. They use laboratory models including mice with PHD1 blocked or deleted and lung cell experiments to observe effects on inflammation and injury. The researchers will test drugs that inhibit PHD1 and compare lung damage after triggers like mechanical ventilation or infection. These experiments aim to show whether changing this oxygen-sensing pathway could point to new treatments for ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk for ARDS—for example after major surgery, severe infection or sepsis, or severe COVID-19—would be the kinds of patients who might take part in future related trials.
Not a fit: People without risk of acute lung injury or whose lung disease is driven by different chronic mechanisms may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce lung inflammation and lower complications and deaths from ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and genetic experiments suggest inhibiting PHD1 can reduce lung injury, but the approach remains largely preclinical.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ELTZSCHIG, HOLGER K. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: ELTZSCHIG, HOLGER K.
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, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome