How low oxygen changes genes in lung disease
Official title: A novel mechanism regulating genome-wide mRNA expression in hypoxic lung disease
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-11325690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how low oxygen in lung disease changes gene activity to uncover targets for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,225 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL177087-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with lung diseases characterized by low oxygen exposure—for example COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension—are the types of patients who might benefit from therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not driven by hypoxia or who have only mild, non-hypoxic lung issues are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research will trace how low oxygen and related reactive oxygen molecules change DNA in lung cells and how those changes alter which genes are turned on or off. Scientists will map oxidized DNA marks (like 8-oxoG), track recruitment of DNA base-repair enzymes, and link those marks to changes in mRNA across the genome. The team will use genomic mapping, protein–DNA interaction studies, and gene expression profiling in lung-relevant cells and tissues. The goal is to form a clear picture of the molecular pathway that operates alongside hypoxia-inducible factors to drive disease-related gene programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new molecular targets and pathways for therapies that reduce damage from low oxygen in lung disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown reactive oxygen and HIF pathways affect some hypoxia-responsive genes and early studies link DNA oxidation marks to gene control, but applying this concept genome-wide in hypoxic lung disease is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gillespie, Mark N — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Gillespie, Mark N
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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.