How the protein CARMIL1 affects lung blood-vessel leak

CARMIL1 and Endothelial Barrier Function Regulation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11180389

Researchers are looking at whether differences in the protein CARMIL1 help protect people with ARDS from lung blood-vessel leak and severe fluid buildup.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11180389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project focuses on a gene called LRRC16A that makes the protein CARMIL1, which helps shape the cell skeleton. Researchers will test how CARMIL1 controls actin structures and membrane protrusions in cells that line lung blood vessels to see how those changes affect leakiness. They will manipulate CARMIL1 levels in lab-grown endothelial cells and link those findings to human genetic variants already tied to better ARDS outcomes. The work aims to connect patient genetics to a clear cell-level mechanism that could guide future therapies to reduce lung flooding.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who have had ARDS, are at high risk for ARDS, or are willing to provide blood or medical records for genetic study would be most relevant for this research.

Not a fit: People without lung blood-vessel leak or health issues unrelated to ARDS are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to strengthen lung blood-vessel barriers and reduce deadly fluid buildup in ARDS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked LRRC16A variants to ARDS outcomes, but the specific role of CARMIL1 in endothelial barrier function is largely new and not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.