Understanding how aging cells and metabolism affect blood vessel stiffness in pulmonary hypertension
An endothelial-fibroblast axis connecting senescence to amino acid metabolism for control of vascular stiffness in PAH
This research explores how aging cells and amino acid metabolism contribute to stiff blood vessels in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a serious lung condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease where blood vessels in the lungs become stiff. We are looking into how certain aging cells in these blood vessels, called endothelial cells, might send signals that change how other cells, called fibroblasts, use amino acids like glutamine and serine. These changes in amino acid use could lead to more collagen buildup and stiffer blood vessels, making PAH worse. By understanding these cellular signals and metabolic changes, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat vascular stiffness in PAH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who may benefit from future therapies developed from a deeper understanding of the disease's mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension or those seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target specific cellular processes or metabolic pathways to reduce blood vessel stiffness and improve outcomes for patients with PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has already established a link between glutamine metabolism and vascular stiffness in PAH, suggesting a promising direction for this continued investigation.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Stephen Y — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chan, Stephen Y
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.