Mitochondrial Changes in Inflammation and Lung Injury from Sepsis
Official title: Mito-inflammation and sepsis-induced acute lung injury
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11397282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how changes in tiny cell powerhouses (mitochondria) contribute to inflammatory lung injury after sepsis, with the goal of finding new ways to reduce damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $680,510 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for sepsis-related acute lung injury or ARDS, particularly those with inflammatory lung involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without septic lung injury or those not experiencing inflammatory lung damage may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how sepsis triggers inflammatory damage in the lungs by altering mitochondrial dynamics and increasing damaging reactive oxygen species. Researchers will examine how TLR4 signaling affects mitochondrial fission and the activity of proteins like Drp1, MFN1, and MFN2 in lung endothelial cells. They will also investigate whether nitration-related changes to RhoA influence this process and how that shapes inflammation. The findings could point to new targets to limit lung injury and improve outcomes for patients with sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify new molecular targets to limit lung inflammation and injury in sepsis, potentially improving survival and recovery for patients with ALI/ARDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked mitochondrial dynamics to inflammatory responses, but this project aims to define a previously undescribed mechanism in sepsis-induced ALI.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Stephen M — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Black, Stephen M
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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.