Proteins that control lung blood vessel leaks
Calpain/talin/MLCP axis in pulmonary endothelial barrier regulation
This project tests whether blocking a chain of proteins that make lung blood vessels leak can help prevent dangerous fluid buildup in people with severe bacterial lung infections or ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how bacterial toxins from E. coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae trigger changes in lung blood vessel cells that let fluid leak into the lungs. Researchers will use human lung endothelial cells grown in the lab and mouse models to follow a chain of events involving calpain, talin, and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). They will measure calpain activity and talin cleavage and test whether blocking calpain or related steps prevents the blood vessel barrier from failing. The aim is to identify targets that could be developed into treatments to prevent pulmonary edema in severe pneumonia and ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute lung injury, ARDS, or severe bacterial pneumonia would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung problems are due to non-infectious causes like heart failure or chronic lung scarring may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that prevent or reduce fluid-filled lungs and improve outcomes for people with ARDS or severe bacterial pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies in human cells and mice reported that inhibiting calpain can prevent toxin-induced endothelial barrier breakdown, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verin, Alexander D — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Verin, Alexander D
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.