Understanding How Oxidant Signals Affect High Blood Pressure in the Lungs
Oxidant Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension
This project explores how specific signals in the body contribute to high blood pressure in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs, can make your heart work harder and lead to serious health problems, especially for those with chronic low oxygen conditions like COPD or sleep apnea. This research aims to uncover how a lack of oxygen causes changes in the blood vessels of the lungs, leading to increased resistance. We believe that a specific protein called Cav1 and cholesterol levels in lung cells play a key role in these changes, triggering signals that cause blood vessels to tighten and remodel. By understanding these cellular processes, we hope to find new ways to help manage or treat this challenging condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic low oxygen, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, sleep apnea, or restrictive lung diseases, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose pulmonary hypertension is not related to chronic low oxygen or the specific cellular mechanisms being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the specific cellular processes causing pulmonary hypertension, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between chronic low oxygen and pulmonary hypertension is established, this specific focus on Cav1 dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species represents a novel approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Resta, Thomas C — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Resta, Thomas C
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.