How HIV proteins harm lung blood vessels
Role of HIV gp120 and Nef in Transcriptome Dysregulation and Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER · NIH-11232323
This research tests whether HIV proteins change lung blood-vessel cells and help cause pulmonary hypertension in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how two HIV proteins, gp120 and Nef, and specific viral genetic differences affect cells that line and surround blood vessels in the lungs. The team will use human vascular cells grown in the lab and humanized mice to measure vessel constriction and changes in lung blood flow. They will also use single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell ATAC sequencing to see which genes are turned on or off in different lung vascular cell types. The goal is to link viral variants and antiretroviral therapy effects to the cell-level changes that lead to pulmonary hypertension in people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, especially those with signs of pulmonary hypertension or known HIV genetic variants, would be the main patients relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without HIV or whose lung problems have unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to viral markers and biological pathways to prevent or better treat pulmonary hypertension in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and lab studies have linked HIV infection and viral proteins to pulmonary hypertension, but combining single-cell genomics with humanized mouse models to tie specific HIV polymorphisms to vascular remodeling is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER — LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALMODOVAR, SHARILYN — TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER
- Study coordinator: ALMODOVAR, SHARILYN
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: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus