Understanding how cell doors work at the tiniest scales to protect blood vessels
Official title: Understanding Chirality at Cell-Cell Junctions With Microscale Platforms
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11384404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how tiny cell connections in blood vessels are controlled by chirality using engineered platforms, with a focus on protecting vascular health in acute lung injury and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $299,038 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM141387-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with acute lung injury or related vascular diseases where endothelial barrier function is compromised (through mechanisms involving endothelial junctions).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without acute vascular injury or endothelial dysfunction may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project uses specially designed in vitro platforms to explore how cell chirality regulates the gaps between endothelial cells that line blood vessels. By examining the biophysical mechanisms, the study aims to link chirality to the opening and closing of paracellular junctions that control vascular permeability. The work centers on endothelial cells and how signaling, such as PKC activation, can impact junction integrity during acute diseases like acute lung injury. Findings could inform strategies to maintain vascular barriers and potentially reduce tissue damage in acute conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches to preserve vascular barrier function during acute illnesses, potentially reducing edema and organ injury.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work has suggested that cell chirality influences endothelial junctions and vascular permeability, but this project tests the biophysical mechanism in engineered systems.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Leo Q. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wan, Leo Q.
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.