Understanding a Gene's Role in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
SOX17/RUNX1 Axis Regulates Endothelial Cell Fate in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
This work explores how specific genes contribute to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a serious lung condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe lung disease where blood vessels in the lungs narrow, making it hard for the heart to pump blood. Current treatments can help with symptoms but don't offer a cure, so we need new ways to stop and reverse the disease. This project looks at how changes in a gene called SOX17 might lead to PAH by affecting how blood vessel cells develop. We believe that when SOX17 isn't working correctly, another gene, RUNX1, becomes overactive, causing abnormal blood vessel growth. Our goal is to understand this process better, using patient-derived cells, to find new targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, especially those with SOX17 gene mutations, as it aims to understand the disease at a molecular level.
Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension or those whose condition is not linked to the SOX17/RUNX1 pathway may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the root causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension, potentially halting or reversing the disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific SOX17/RUNX1 pathway in PAH is a novel focus, other studies have shown success in identifying genetic targets for complex diseases, suggesting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Olin D. — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Liang, Olin 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.