Understanding how Tibetans adapt to high altitude and its effects on heart health
Official title: PROTECTIVE POISON AT HIGH ALTITUDE: THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ELEVATED ENDOGENOUS CO FROM ADAPTIVE HMOX2 VARIANTS
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11071643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain genes in Tibetans help them live well at high altitudes and avoid a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension, with the hope that what we learn can lead to new treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,032 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174120-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension or those living at high altitudes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who do not have Tibetan ancestry or those living at sea level may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations in Tibetans contribute to their unique ability to thrive at high altitudes, particularly focusing on their protection against pulmonary arterial hypertension. By examining the role of carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs), the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow these individuals to maintain lower blood pressure and hemoglobin levels despite the low oxygen environment. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic adaptations in high-altitude populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Mitchell Chung-Hin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kong, Mitchell Chung-Hin
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.