How mitochondrial DNA affects lung inflammation and healing
The mitochondrial genome in lung disease: a signaling hub linking the persistence and severity of inflammation to recovery
Looking at whether damaged mitochondrial DNA drives lung inflammation and whether fixing that DNA can help lungs recover after acute injury.
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 ID | NIH-11304578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how damage to the tiny DNA inside mitochondria can trigger and prolong lung inflammation after acute injury. They will examine how oxidized mitochondrial DNA fragments activate inflammatory pathways and how the cell’s DNA-repair and mitochondrial replacement processes control recovery. The work combines laboratory experiments on damaged mitochondria and related repair pathways with studies relevant to acute lung injury and inflammation. Findings could point to ways to prevent prolonged inflammation and improve recovery after severe lung insults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had acute lung injury, acute pulmonary injury, or severe lung inflammation (for example ARDS or similar conditions) would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future trials.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory lung conditions or those whose lung problems are caused by non-inflammatory issues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce harmful lung inflammation and speed recovery after acute lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Basic research has shown mitochondrial DNA fragments can trigger inflammation and that altering repair pathways changes this response, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still new.
Where this research is happening
Mobile, United States
- University of South Alabama — Mobile, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gillespie, Mark N — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Gillespie, Mark N
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.