# PLK1 Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle

> **NIH NIH R01** · ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE · 2021 · $483,628

## Abstract

The contractility and growth of airway smooth muscle play an important role in
the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness and smooth muscle layer thickening,
cardinal features of asthma that affects nearly 250-300 million people worldwide. The
mechanisms underlying these biological and pathological processes are not fully
elucidated. Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein that has been implicated in
progenitor cell functions and cancer pathogenesis. The functional role of nestin in airway
smooth muscle is largely unknown. Pilot studies have shown that nestin may contribute
to the regulation of smooth muscle contraction and proliferation. In Aim 1, we will
determine the role of nestin in regulating airway smooth muscle contractility and
cytoskeletal signaling. In Aim 2, we will assess the role and mechanism of nestin in
airway smooth muscle proliferation and the growth factor-mediated pathways. In Aim 3,
the potential role of nestin-associated cellular processes in human asthma will be
determined. The role of nestin in allergen-induced asthma will also be evaluated in vivo.
Completion of these studies should advance our knowledge regarding functional role
and mechanism of nestin and cytoskeletal signaling in smooth muscle contractility and
growth in vitro, and asthma pathogenesis in vivo. Obtaining this knowledge will facilitate
the development of new therapy to treat asthma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10205669
- **Project number:** 2R01HL130304-05
- **Recipient organization:** ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Dale D. Tang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $483,628
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-07-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10205669

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10205669, PLK1 Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle (2R01HL130304-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10205669. Licensed CC0.

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