Investigating how PUMA contributes to lung damage from smoking
Official title: The role of PUMA in the progression of cigarette smoking-induced COPD
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10930186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PUMA affects lung damage and inflammation in people with COPD caused by cigarette smoke, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent or treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $413,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL162749-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cigarette smoking who are experiencing symptoms of COPD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never smoked or have other unrelated lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called PUMA in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by cigarette smoke. It examines how cigarette smoke exposure leads to different types of cell death in lung tissues and how this contributes to inflammation and lung damage. By studying lung cells from patients and animal models, the research aims to identify new treatment targets that could help prevent or treat COPD. The approach includes analyzing the effects of PUMA on cell death and inflammation in lung epithelial cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that better manage or prevent COPD in smokers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cell death mechanisms in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Dongshi — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chen, Dongshi
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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.