How the protein Poldip2 controls blood vessel leakiness in the lungs
Molecular mechanisms relating Poldip2 to endothelial permeability
Researchers are working to understand whether blocking Poldip2 can stop blood vessels in the lung from becoming leaky in people with acute lung injury or ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325729 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have a condition where the small blood vessels in the lung leak fluid and immune cells, causing dangerous swelling and trouble breathing. Scientists found that lowering a protein called Poldip2 in blood vessel cells protects mice from this leak and improves survival after lung infection or toxin exposure. They are studying how Poldip2 controls the barrier using cell experiments and mouse models and are looking for the signals that turn Poldip2 on or off. The team aims to use those findings to guide development of drugs that target Poldip2 to prevent or reduce lung edema in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including those with severe pneumonia or sepsis that cause lung vascular leak, would be most relevant for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated respiratory conditions or those needing immediate clinical treatment may not directly benefit from this early-stage, preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce lung fluid buildup and improve survival in ARDS and acute lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse experiments from this group showed striking protection when Poldip2 was reduced, but therapies targeting Poldip2 have not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griendling, Kathy K — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Griendling, Kathy K
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.