MicroRNA control of lung inflammation in ARDS
Official title: Targeting Myeloid Dependent MicroRNAs in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11317031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers aim to use a small genetic regulator called miR-147 in immune cells to calm harmful lung inflammation in adults with ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL155950-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11317031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, especially those hospitalized with severe lung inflammation, would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without ARDS, children, or patients whose respiratory failure is not driven by inflammatory macrophage activity are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how immune cells called macrophages make a microRNA named miR-147 during lung inflammation and whether increasing miR-147 can quiet the inflammatory response. In lab tests the team changes miR-147 levels in macrophages and measures inflammatory signals such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα. Animal experiments showed that myeloid-derived miR-147 reduces lung inflammation and pointed to a mitochondrial protein, NDUFA4, as a key target. The researchers hope to use these findings to guide new approaches that could one day reduce damaging inflammation in people with ARDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce damaging lung inflammation and improve recovery for people with ARDS.
How similar studies have gone: Similar lab and animal studies show microRNAs can modify inflammation, but microRNA-based therapies for human ARDS remain experimental and unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Xiaoyi — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Xiaoyi
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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.