Understanding how tiny vesicles contribute to the worsening of a rare lung disease.
Investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in promoting the progression of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis
This study is looking at tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that might help cancer-like cells grow and spread in the lungs of women with a rare lung disease called LAM, with the goal of finding new ways to treat the condition and improve symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the progression of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease primarily affecting women. The study aims to understand how these vesicles may enhance the survival and spread of cancer-like cells in the lungs, potentially leading to new treatment targets. By analyzing the cargo of these vesicles, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that contribute to LAM's worsening symptoms and identify ways to intervene. The approach includes laboratory experiments to assess the impact of EVs on lung cell behavior and their interaction with existing treatments like rapamycin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis who are experiencing disease progression.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of lung disease or those not diagnosed with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, improving lung function and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer has been studied, their specific involvement in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is novel and has not been previously explored.
Where this research is happening
Lubbock, United States
- Texas Tech University Health Scis Center — Lubbock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karbowniczek, Magdalena — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Karbowniczek, Magdalena
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.