How lung surfactant fats and proteins affect breathing in ARDS
Lipid and Protein Effects on Monolayer Stability
This project looks at whether changes in lung surfactant fats and proteins make surfactant fail and worsen breathing for people with ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers examine the thin surfactant layer that helps keep air sacs open and measure how its fats and proteins change during ARDS. They study how enzymes and breakdown products like LPC can remove or disrupt surfactant at the air–liquid interface and raise surface tension. The team uses lab measurements of surface tension and material properties, biochemical analysis of surfactant components, and samples such as lung lavage fluid to see what molecules are present. The goal is to understand the mechanism so future treatments can prevent surfactant loss or restore its function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults hospitalized with acute respiratory distress syndrome or acute lung injury—especially those able to provide samples or whose care teams can collect lavage or airway fluid—would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose breathing problems are due to chronic conditions unrelated to surfactant dysfunction, like stable COPD or heart failure, are less likely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect or replace surfactant and reduce the need for prolonged ventilator support and deaths from ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Surfactant replacement is effective in newborns but adult trials have had mixed results, and directly targeting LPC and PLA2-driven surfactant removal is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zasadzinski, Joseph Anthony — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Zasadzinski, Joseph Anthony
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.