Targeting USP30 to protect lung blood vessels during severe infections
Mitochondrial deubiquitinase USP30 regulates cell metabolism-mediated miRNA biogenesis and microvascular inflammation
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11264883
This project explores whether blocking a mitochondrial enzyme called USP30 can help protect the lining of lung blood vessels and reduce damage in people with severe infections like ARDS or sepsis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11264883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is examining how a mitochondrial enzyme called USP30 affects blood vessel cells in the lungs during severe bacterial or viral infections. They use lab-grown endothelial cells and animal models to block USP30 and watch whether blood vessel barrier function and inflammation improve. The researchers are mapping a chain of events involving MAT2A stability, the cellular SAM methylation cycle, DNA methylation changes, and production of a small RNA called miR-30a-5p. Findings could point to new drug targets to prevent or lessen lung injury from infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at high risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or sepsis from bacterial or viral infections would be the main patient groups who could benefit from future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung damage is driven by unrelated causes or who are already in a very late stage of organ failure may not benefit from USP30-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that preserve lung blood vessel integrity and reduce the severity and deaths from ARDS and sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work has explored USP30 as a target in Parkinson’s disease and cancer models, but applying USP30 inhibition to protect lung microvascular function in ARDS or sepsis is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, YUTONG — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, YUTONG
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.
Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Bacterial Infections