Protecting lung blood-vessel cells to stop harmful lung scarring
Theraputic targeting of pulmonary endothelial cells to inhibit pathological lung remodeling
Developing ways to protect and repair lung blood vessel cells to slow or stop scarring for people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use targeted nanoparticles to deliver protective genes (FOXF1 or R‑Ras) to lung endothelial cells and will test transplanting FOXF1+cKIT+ endothelial progenitor cells to rebuild damaged vessels. Most experiments will be done in laboratory and animal models of lung fibrosis to see if these approaches keep tiny blood vessels intact, reduce leakiness, and limit scar formation. The team will measure vessel structure, barrier function, oxygenation, and the amount of lung scarring to judge benefit. Successful strategies would be advanced toward therapies that preserve lung microvasculature in people with fibrotic lung disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pulmonary fibrosis or progressive fibrotic lung disease—particularly those with signs of vascular remodeling or worsening respiratory symptoms—would be the likely candidates for future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated lung conditions such as isolated COPD or asthma, or those whose fibrosis is not linked to blood-vessel dysfunction, are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could preserve small lung blood vessels and slow progression of pulmonary fibrosis, helping to maintain breathing function.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies support roles for FOXF1 and R‑Ras in blood-vessel health, but using nanoparticles to deliver them or transplanting FOXF1+cKIT+ endothelial progenitors for lung fibrosis is largely experimental and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalin, Tanya — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kalin, Tanya
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 below.