Using HIF proteins to protect the heart and lungs
Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) for Heart and Lung Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11293398
This project aims to use the body's low-oxygen response proteins (HIFs) to reduce damage from heart injury and acute respiratory distress in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at UTHealth Houston will study HIF proteins and the enzymes (PHDs) that control them to understand how low-oxygen signals change inflammation in the heart and lungs. They will combine lab experiments, animal models of heart ischemia-reperfusion and ARDS, and analysis of relevant human tissues and cells to map which HIF types and target genes matter most. The team will test ways to selectively activate or block HIF pathways in specific tissues as possible treatments. The goal is to guide development of drugs or therapies that could lessen tissue inflammation and injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who have experienced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury or who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome and might join future clinical trials or tissue donation efforts.
Not a fit: Patients without heart or lung inflammatory conditions, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic/translational research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that limit inflammation and organ damage in patients with heart attacks or ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies suggest manipulating HIFs can reduce inflammation and tissue injury, but turning these findings into safe, effective human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ELTZSCHIG, HOLGER K. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: ELTZSCHIG, HOLGER K.
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.
Conditions: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome