Kynurenine pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its impact on lung blood vessels
Official title: The role of kynurenine pathway metabolism in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11396550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins-led study will explore how a body chemistry pathway called kynurenine might drive changes in the lungs of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $555,811 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175014-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pulmonary arterial hypertension or those at risk who may participate in related biomarker or tissue studies in future steps.
✕Less likely to help
People without PAH or without access to related patient samples or trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This research looks at how the kynurenine pathway, which processes the amino acid tryptophan, may trigger disease-causing changes in the lung arteries of PAH patients. The team will examine the role of the enzyme TDO and the AHR transcription factor to understand how these signals lead to remodeling and higher blood pressure in the lungs. Using human tissue and relevant animal models, they aim to map the cellular programs that respond to kynurenine and identify points where therapies could potentially block harmful remodeling. The goal is to connect molecular activity with the progression of PAH in order to pave the way for targeted treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for drugs that slow or prevent lung vascular remodeling in PAH.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked kynurenine and AHR signaling to vascular changes, suggesting potential for translating findings into therapies.
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.