Award
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 1R61HL171783-01A1
Development of Novel RhoA Nitration Inhibitory Peptides for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury
Recipient
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Award Amount
$516,250.00
Ceiling
$516,250.00
Awarded
August 26, 2025
Identifier
1R61HL171783-01A1
The award funds research to develop peptidomimetic drugs that inhibit RhoA nitration to treat ALI/ARDS by protecting endothelial and mitochondrial functions and reducing inflammation, with testing in animal models.
Description
This project aims to design, synthesize, and evaluate a new class of drugs to prevent RhoA nitration and treat acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The strategy involves shielding RhoA from nitration at Y34, protecting endothelial barrier function, preserving mitochondrial function, and reducing inflammation. The project includes generating compounds based on pharmacophores, screening in vitro and in vivo in mouse models, and conducting pharmacokinetics, safety studies, and therapeutic confirmation in pig models.