Understanding Chronic Lung Transplant Problems
Official title: Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction: Role for Tumor Suppressor LKB1 in Exosomes
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-11112497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores why some lung transplant patients develop a condition called chronic lung allograft dysfunction, or CLAD, which limits how long their new lungs last.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,885 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL156891-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant to lung transplant recipients, especially those who have developed or are at risk of developing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) or bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone a lung transplant or do not have chronic lung allograft dysfunction would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Lung transplantation offers a new chance for patients with severe lung diseases, but many face a challenge called chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), often appearing as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). This condition can cause scarring and damage in the new lungs, limiting their long-term function. Our team is looking into a specific gene, LKB1, which seems to be less active in patients with BOS. We are also studying tiny particles called exosomes, which carry messages between cells, to see how they contribute to this scarring process. By understanding how LKB1 and exosomes affect lung scarring, we hope to find new ways to protect transplanted lungs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat chronic lung allograft dysfunction, helping lung transplant recipients keep their new lungs healthy for longer.
How similar studies have gone: This research builds on novel findings indicating an important role for the LKB1 gene in fibrosis development, suggesting a new direction for understanding lung transplant complications.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohanakumar, Thalachallour — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mohanakumar, Thalachallour
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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.