Understanding how lung cells change in pulmonary hypertension
Anaplerotic reprogramming of endothelial cells in pulmonary hypertension
This research explores how changes in cell energy use contribute to the growth of lung cells in pulmonary hypertension, a serious lung condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10831831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pulmonary hypertension is a severe lung disease where blood vessels in the lungs narrow, making it hard for the heart to pump blood. This narrowing is often caused by lung cells growing too much, similar to how cancer cells grow. Our team is looking into how these lung cells change their energy use, a process called metabolic reprogramming, which seems to trigger this uncontrolled growth. We believe that by understanding this connection, we can find new ways to stop the disease from getting worse and improve treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who are interested in understanding the underlying causes of their condition and future treatment possibilities.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new therapies or direct clinical trial participation may not find direct benefit from this basic science research at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the specific cell changes causing pulmonary hypertension, potentially slowing its progression and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that blocking certain cell processes related to energy use can reduce PAH in preclinical models, suggesting a promising direction for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafikov, Ruslan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Rafikov, Ruslan
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.