Investigating how a protein helps cells sense low oxygen levels
Official title: SREBP1 as a Novel Mammalian Oxygen Sensor
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11061847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body respond to low oxygen levels, which is a common issue for people with heart and lung diseases, and it will explore a protein that might help these cells adapt, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,946 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL169915-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, particularly those experiencing chronic hypoxia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to oxygen sensing or those not experiencing chronic hypoxia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cells and tissues in mammals detect and adapt to low oxygen levels, a condition common in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure. The study will explore the role of a specific protein, SREBP1, which may act as an oxygen sensor, helping to regulate lipid metabolism in response to oxygen availability. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes in those suffering from chronic hypoxia. The project will involve both laboratory experiments and analysis of biological data to validate the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the health and quality of life for patients with chronic hypoxia-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding oxygen sensing mechanisms in other organisms, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baik, Alan Hyun — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Baik, Alan Hyun
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.