Understanding Cell Changes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
General Capillary to Arterial Endothelial Cell Transition in Pulmonary ArterialHypertension
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11194385
This research explores how tiny blood vessels in the lungs change in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, hoping to find new ways to help.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11194385 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) causes blood vessels in the lungs to narrow, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and leading to serious health problems. We want to understand why the smallest blood vessels, called capillaries, change and become more like larger arteries in PAH patients. Our early findings suggest that these cell changes are happening in both people with PAH and in animal models. We believe a specific signaling pathway involving HIF-2α-Cdk19/Sox17/Notch4 might be responsible for these changes. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to develop new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who are interested in contributing to foundational research on the disease's mechanisms may find this relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a completely new treatment approach for pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanism of capillary-to-arterial cell programming in PAH is a novel hypothesis, previous research has explored various cellular changes in the disease.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAI, ZHIYU — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DAI, ZHIYU
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.