Investigating the role of a specific enzyme in lung disease related to scleroderma
Official title: The role of xanthine oxidoreductase activity and altered metabolism in scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10888299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme might play a role in worsening pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in people with scleroderma, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,580 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL153781-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with scleroderma who are at risk for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of scleroderma or those who do not have pulmonary arterial hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition that affects blood vessels in the lungs, particularly in patients with scleroderma. The study aims to understand how the enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) contributes to the disease's progression and severity. By examining the relationship between XOR activity and various biological markers, researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets and improve treatment options for patients suffering from scleroderma-associated PAH. The approach includes analyzing blood samples and correlating enzyme levels with patient outcomes to better understand the disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve survival and quality of life for patients with scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpson, Catherine — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Simpson, Catherine
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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.