How nmMLCK (MYLK) and cortactin (CTTN) help seal leaky lung blood vessels
Regulation of Peripheral EC Cytoskeletal Remodeling, Gap Closure and Barrier Restoration by nmMLCK/MYLK and Cortactin/CTTN
This project looks at how two proteins control blood vessel leakiness in ARDS to guide new treatments for people with severe lung injury.
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 ID | NIH-11193834 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying two key proteins in the cells that line lung blood vessels to understand why vessels become leaky during sepsis, trauma, or ventilator stress. They will examine how genetic differences and chemical switches on DNA change how these proteins work and how that raises ARDS risk in some people. Lab experiments will look at how signals from immune receptors and mechanical stress alter these proteins and whether restoring their normal function can close gaps and rebuild the vessel barrier. The work ties molecular lab studies to human genetic findings to point toward possible new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future studies would be adults with sepsis- or trauma-related ARDS or people who developed ventilator-dependent respiratory failure, with attention to those of African ancestry because of identified genetic risk variants.
Not a fit: People with breathing problems caused primarily by airway diseases like asthma or COPD, or conditions not driven by blood-vessel leak, are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug targets that reduce dangerous blood-vessel leak in ARDS and lower deaths from severe lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and molecular studies have already shown these proteins control vascular leak, but translating that into proven treatments for ARDS remains untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Joe G. N. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Joe G. 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.