Skeletal muscle signals linked to lung blood vessel changes in PH-HFpEF
Official title: Role of Skeletal Muscle in Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11535841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how signals from tired skeletal muscle might drive blood vessel changes in a type of heart failure-related high blood pressure, with patients potentially benefiting from new therapies in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $705,849 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL142638-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF) or related muscle/signaling alterations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PH-HFpEF or those not exhibiting the SIRT3-related signaling axis may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how reduced SIRT3 in skeletal muscle may send signals that worsen blood vessel remodeling in the lungs of people with PH-HFpEF. Using plasma proteomics and muscle analyses, the team aims to identify key molecules, such as B2M, that connect muscle health to pulmonary vascular disease. The work includes validating findings in patient samples and testing how these signals influence vascular cells, with the goal of uncovering new therapeutic targets. If successful, this could lead to treatments that slow or reverse harmful lung vessel changes in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential development of new therapies to prevent or reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH-HFpEF patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have identified links between skeletal muscle signals and vascular changes; this project builds on that with human sample validation and mechanistic tests.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Yen Chun Charly — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lai, Yen Chun Charly
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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.