Investigating a protein's role in lung blood vessel disease
Official title: Vascular Smooth Muscle Vps34 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11269309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Vps34 affects the growth of certain cells in the lungs of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with the hope of finding new ways to treat this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $244,589 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL166763-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11269309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension who are experiencing symptoms related to the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of pulmonary hypertension or those without a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs that can lead to heart failure. The study examines how a specific protein, Vps34, affects the growth and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells in the lungs, which contribute to the disease's progression. By understanding the mechanisms behind this protein's activation and its impact on cell behavior, researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of data from animal models to draw parallels with human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or reverse the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in other vascular diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Yuanjun — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Shen, Yuanjun
Related research
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Platelets and fibroblasts linked to energy use in a hard-to-treat blood vessel disease
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Researchers are studying how inflammation in the lining of blood vessels and a protein called Src kinase contribute to early lung artery remodeling in people with mild PAH.
-
Cardiopulmonary chip model to study right heart disease from high blood pressure in the lungs
A tiny heart-lung chip is being developed to understand why the right side of the heart enlarges in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension and to test targeted treatments.
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.