Understanding how gene regulation affects lung cell changes in pulmonary hypertension
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of pulmonary smooth muscle cell remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10930189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called SPHK2 affects lung cells in people with pulmonary hypertension, with the goal of finding new ways to treat the condition by targeting the root causes instead of just the symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $715,161 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL163583-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, particularly those experiencing significant vascular remodeling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary hypertension who do not exhibit significant vascular remodeling or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of epigenetic regulation in the remodeling of pulmonary smooth muscle cells associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). It focuses on the sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and its impact on gene transcription that contributes to the disease's progression. By examining how SPHK2 influences the acetylation of histones and gene expression in lung tissues, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for treating PH. Patients may benefit from potential new drug treatments that address the underlying causes of vascular remodeling rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that more effectively treat pulmonary hypertension by targeting the root causes of vascular remodeling.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting epigenetic mechanisms for various diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results in pulmonary hypertension as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Margaret a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Margaret a
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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.