Targeting lung blood vessel cells to prevent lung damage
Official title: Theraputic targeting of pulmonary endothelial cells to inhibit pathological lung remodeling
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11057043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make lung health better by focusing on the cells that line the blood vessels in the lungs, especially for people with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that makes it hard to breathe; the researchers want to find new treatments that help these cells work better and stop lung damage.
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 start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,403 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177800-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis or related lung diseases, particularly those experiencing significant lung damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung conditions or those without significant pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to improve lung health by focusing on the cells that line blood vessels in the lungs, known as endothelial cells. It aims to understand their role in lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, which involves abnormal lung repair and can lead to severe breathing problems. The researchers will explore new treatments that involve delivering specific proteins or cells directly to these endothelial cells to enhance their function and prevent further lung damage. By using advanced techniques, they hope to find effective ways to stop the progression of lung fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve lung function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting endothelial cells in lung diseases is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in related areas, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalin, Tanya — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kalin, Tanya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Mining safety training that connects research to practice for Western miners
A patient-facing overview of a U.S. mining safety program that partners universities and mining operators to improve training, safety practices, and outcomes for mine workers in the Western United States.
-
Developing small molecules to treat TDP-43 related brain diseases
A potential new drug candidate (XL20) for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias linked to TDP-43 protein problems is being developed and refined for people who live with these conditions.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
A new optical method to image skin cancers using synthetic waves
A small grant is funding the development and testing of tissue-mimicking skin phantoms to improve non-invasive imaging of skin cancers.
-
MRI-guided precision care for infants with cleft palate
We’re exploring how MRI can help tailor early care for babies with cleft palate to support better speech outcomes.
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.