# Cholesterol Regulation of EGFR-dependent Vasoconstriction in Chronic Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Hypertension

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · 2022 · $38,143

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Chronic Hypoxia (CH)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant source of morbidity and
mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. It is widely recognized that vasoconstriction
is a critical mediator of PH, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Our previous studies
have demonstrated that enhanced vasoconstrictor sensitivity following CH involves a requisite reduction in
pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) membrane cholesterol content. We have also demonstrated
that CH augments vasoconstrictor reactivity by a switch in signaling from primarily calcium-dependent
mechanisms to a Ca2+ sensitization pathway that involves the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and
reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanisms by which CH decreases membrane cholesterol and
how this unmasks EGFR-dependent vasoconstriction has yet to be assessed.
 The proposed studies will investigate the central hypothesis that coupling of vasoconstrictor stimuli to
EGFR signaling following CH promotes PASMC hypercontractility through a ROS-dependent decrease in
membrane cholesterol. To test this hypothesis, protocols will employ both in vivo and in vitro approaches using
a variety of experimental preparations from molecular and single cell imaging studies to video-microscopy of
pressurized small pulmonary arteries using a rat model of CH-induced PH.
We plan to pursue the following specific aims:
Specific Aim 1: Determine the mechanism by which CH decreases PASMC membrane cholesterol.
 Hypothesis: Elevated ROS production during CH diminishes membrane cholesterol.
Specific Aim 2: Determine the mechanism by which decreased PASMC membrane cholesterol augments
vasoconstrictor sensitivity following CH.
 Hypothesis: Decreased PASMC membrane cholesterol in response to CH unmasks EGFR-dependent
pulmonary vasoconstriction through regulation of NOX2 and Rac1.
 The applicant will be immersed in a rich training environment in the Vascular Physiology Group at the UNM
School of Medicine through a unique, multi-sponsor mentoring team that will facilitate his research training in
defining novel mechanisms by which ROS alter the PASMC membrane microenvironment to affect cellular
function in CH-induced PH. The proposed training plan will afford the applicant intensive training experiences
in a variety of new experimental approaches, refinement of his oral and written communication skills, and
professional development training that will aid him in achieving his goal as an independent, academic
physician-scientist in pulmonary research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10386244
- **Project number:** 1F31HL162502-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Rosstin Ahmadian
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $38,143
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-02-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10386244

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10386244, Cholesterol Regulation of EGFR-dependent Vasoconstriction in Chronic Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Hypertension (1F31HL162502-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10386244. Licensed CC0.

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