TREK-1 potassium channels and ARDS lung injury
The Role of TREK-1 potassium channels in ARDS
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11171618
Seeing if boosting a lung protein called TREK‑1 can reduce inflammation and lung damage in adults with ARDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying TREK‑1, a potassium channel in lung epithelial and endothelial cells, to understand its role in ARDS. They will use more realistic lab models that combine influenza infection, high oxygen exposure, and mechanical ventilation to mimic severe ARDS and measure how TREK‑1 levels change. The team will test whether restoring or enhancing TREK‑1 protects lung tissue and reduces inflammation in these models and will refine lab models to better match human ARDS biology. Most work is lab-based at UCLA with links to human ARDS mechanisms to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with ARDS or people at high risk for ARDS (for example severe viral pneumonia or those requiring mechanical ventilation) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people with chronic non-ARDS lung conditions, or patients whose ARDS arises from mechanisms unrelated to TREK‑1 may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a new targeted therapy that lowers lung inflammation and improves outcomes for adults with ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical work showed TREK‑1 can limit lung inflammation in simpler injury models, but the combined 'triple‑hit' approach and translation toward human treatment remain untested.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHWINGSHACKL, ANDREAS — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: SCHWINGSHACKL, ANDREAS
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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome