# Matrikines and COPD-PH

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $472,241

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disorder characterized by abnormally elevated pulmonary artery (PA)
pressures and PH associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent, is
associated increased morbidity and mortality, and lacks therapeutic options. Thus new pathways and
therapeutic targets are needed to address this critical need.
Recent work in our laboratory has identified the biologically active extracellular matrix fragment (matrikine)
acetyl-proline-glycine-proline (AcPGP) as a key marker for COPD pathogenesis. PGP acts on inflammatory
cells through CXC receptors (CXCR1/2) and signaling through the CXCR2 receptor has implications in PH
development. We believe that the matrikine AcPGP causes pulmonary vasculopathy in COPD, leading to PH.
We will test this hypothesis through the following independent but inter-related aims:
1. To determine the causative role for AcPGP-mediated signaling in models of PH
2. To elucidate mechanisms for matrikine-mediated pulmonary vascular remodeling
3. To evaluate the impact of matrikines on clinical features of COPD-PH
This project explores new concepts in the pathobiology of COPD-PH through the use of novel animal models of
PH, pulmonary vascular cell models, and applies these findings to a unique human cohort. The preclinical
models tested will evaluate pathways and key therapeutic targets that could ultimately be tested in humans with
COPD-PH. If successful, this project would provide the foundation by which these new therapies could be
applied in a disease that currently has no treatment, potentially affecting the lives of patients affected with these
devastating illnesses.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10017294
- **Project number:** 5R01HL148215-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** JAMES MICHAEL WELLS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $472,241
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10017294

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10017294, Matrikines and COPD-PH (5R01HL148215-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10017294. Licensed CC0.

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