How integrin beta4 and kindlin-2 affect lung blood vessel leakiness in ARDS
Official title: Functional Involvement of IntegrinB4/ITGB4 and Kindlin/FERMT2 in Focal Adhesion Dynamic Remodeling in ARDS
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11193839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether two proteins that help lung blood vessel cells stick together — integrin beta4 and kindlin-2 — influence dangerous fluid leakage in people with ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $386,923 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL126609-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would include adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome or recovering ARDS patients willing to provide blood or lung fluid samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
People without ARDS or with lung problems driven by causes unrelated to blood vessel leak are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is studying how two adhesion proteins control the seal between lung blood vessel cells during severe lung failure. They examine how mechanical stress from ventilation and inflammation change these proteins and the cell skeleton using lab models of endothelial cells, advanced imaging, and molecular tests. The project also explores protein modifications and genetic variants that might change how these proteins work, and may include analysis of human samples. Together this work aims to reveal ways to help blood vessels close gaps and reduce fluid leaking into the lungs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that strengthen the lung blood vessel barrier and reduce life-threatening fluid buildup in ARDS.
How similar studies have gone: Basic research has previously linked integrins and kindlin proteins to cell adhesion and mechanosensing, but applying these findings specifically to ARDS and ventilator-related injury is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cress, Anne E — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cress, Anne E
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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.