NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction affects airway inflammation in obese asthma

Official title: Parkin in mitochondrial dysfunction and airway inflammation of obese asthma

Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-10898829 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, can make asthma worse for people who are both obese and have asthma, and it hopes to find new ways to help them breathe better.

More Obese research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNational Jewish Health
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Denver, United States)
Project startSeptember 16, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$712,997
NIH project number5R01AI152504-05
Project IDNIH-10898829 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and have been diagnosed with asthma.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not obese or do not have asthma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in exacerbating airway inflammation specifically in obese individuals with asthma. It focuses on the mechanisms by which increased levels of Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, contribute to inflammation in the airways of obese asthmatics. By analyzing samples from patients, the study will explore how mitochondrial DNA and fatty acids influence asthma severity and response to treatment. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing asthma in obese patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for obese asthma patients, enhancing their quality of life and asthma control.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • National Jewish Health
    Denver, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chu, Hong W — National Jewish Health
  • Study coordinator: Chu, Hong W

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Lipid anti-Inflammatory Mediators in Asthma for Obese Individuals

    A study testing a novel lipid-based drug, CXA-10, to help adults with obesity-related asthma breathe better and control their symptoms.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11394482

  • Predictors of inhaled corticosteroid response in asthma across BMI and race

    A patient-focused study aims to find metabolite and genetic signals that predict how well people with asthma, including those who are overweight or from high-risk groups, respond to inhaled steroids.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11281064

  • Metformin for asthma in overweight and obese adults

    This project tests whether metformin can help improve asthma control in overweight and obese adults.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11195075

  • Investigating how innate lymphocytes affect asthma in obese individuals

    This study is looking at how being overweight might make asthma worse, especially in women, by exploring the role of certain immune cells in the body, using a special mouse model that reflects the health issues seen in people; the goal is to find better ways to treat asthma for those who are obese.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11005388

  • Investigating the role of specific immune cells in asthma related to obesity

    This study is looking at how being overweight can make asthma worse in women by comparing the immune responses in heavier and lighter mice with asthma, hoping to find new ways to help treat asthma flare-ups related to obesity.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11002342

  • Using metformin to help manage asthma in overweight and obese individuals

    This study is looking at whether metformin, a diabetes medication, can help improve asthma symptoms in overweight and obese people, and it will involve a six-month trial where some participants will take the medication while others will take a placebo, all while making it easy for people to join from home.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10930872

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.