Investigating how inflammation affects airway muscle shortening in asthma
Official title: Targeting T2 inflammation-evoked mechanical endotypes of ASM shortening in asthma
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11061079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain cells in your airways behave in asthma and aims to find new treatments that can help you breathe better without losing effectiveness over time, focusing on how taste receptors might play a role in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 25, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,904 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164404-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma, particularly those experiencing significant airway obstruction and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma who do not respond to bronchodilators or have other underlying conditions that complicate their asthma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind airway smooth muscle (HASM) shortening in asthma, which leads to chronic inflammation and bronchial obstruction. The study aims to explore the role of type 2 (T2) inflammation in regulating HASM contraction and to identify new bronchodilators that can effectively treat asthma without causing tolerance or being influenced by immune responses. By examining the effects of bitter taste receptors on HASM, the researchers hope to uncover novel therapeutic targets that could improve asthma management. The approach includes pre-clinical models to validate their hypotheses and findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective asthma treatments that provide better control of symptoms and reduce reliance on current medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar mechanisms in asthma, but this specific approach focusing on TAS2 receptors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: An, Steven S — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: An, Steven S
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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.