How HIV changes airway cells and may lead to COPD
Aberrant Micro-managing of the Airway Epithelial Transcriptome in HIV-associated COPD
Looking at whether HIV-related changes in tiny RNA molecules inside airway cells help explain why people living with HIV are more likely to get COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308658 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers will examine airway epithelial cells to see how small regulatory RNAs (microRNAs) are altered by HIV proteins and by TGF-β signaling. They will combine laboratory work on cells and molecular pathways with analysis of airway samples to map which microRNA changes disrupt normal cell function. The team will trace how those changes can lead to mitochondrial problems, inflammation, and airway remodeling linked to COPD. Their goal is to find key signaling nodes that could be targeted to protect lung health in people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV—especially those who smoke or have early signs of lung disease—would be the most relevant people for this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV or whose lung disease is clearly caused by other unrelated factors may not benefit from findings specific to HIV-associated airway changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow COPD in people living with HIV by targeting the disrupted microRNA and signaling pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies show HIV proteins and TGF-β can change airway microRNAs, but turning those findings into treatments for COPD in people with HIV remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Miami, United States
- Florida International University — Miami, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unwalla, Hoshang Jehangir — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Unwalla, Hoshang Jehangir
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.