How MEK1 and MEK2 genes affect recovery from severe lung injury
MAP2K1 AND MAP2K2 IN ACUTE LUNG INJURY AND RESOLUTION
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11167660
This work looks at whether blocking specific MEK proteins can help lungs heal after severe inflammation such as ARDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks at how two genes (MEK1 and MEK2) change immune cell behavior in injured lungs. Researchers combine human gene data with experiments in mice, using genetic models and drugs that block MEK to see which cells drive recovery or ongoing inflammation. In past mouse experiments, MEK inhibition improved measures of lung injury while loss of MEK1 in certain immune cells made injury far worse, so the team will study those differences and the underlying mechanisms. The goal is to find whether targeting MEK pathways could lead to new treatments that help people recover from acute lung injury and ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute lung injury or ARDS (including severe COVID-19-related lung injury) who could donate samples or participate in observational or biospecimen studies would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory acute lung injury or those with chronic lung conditions not driven by acute inflammation (for example stable COPD without recent injury) are unlikely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that speed lung healing and reduce deaths from ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in animals have shown that MEK inhibitors can improve outcomes in acute lung injury, but benefit in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANICONE, ANNE M. — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: MANICONE, ANNE M.
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: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome