Restrictive and Vascular Lung Diseases Branch

The Genetics, Genomics, and Advanced Technologies Program supports and coordinates research on innovative genetics, genomics, and biotechnology programs to advance discovery of lung disease risk, mechanisms of lung disease, and appropriate treatment strategies. Areas of research include: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), pharmacogenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biology, and the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program. This program represents the Division on NHLBI-wide and NIH-wide efforts to develop and implement cutting edge genetic, genomic, and biotechnology research related to pulmonary diseases. View funding information for the Genetics, Genomics, and Advanced Technologies Program.

Contact: Weiniu Gan, Ph.D., Program Director, ganw2@nhlbi.nih.gov

The Granulomatous and Interstitial Lung Disease Program supports research on the genetic predisposition, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of interstitial lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), occupational and environmental lung diseases, as well as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This program also supports research on non-infectious granulomatous diseases including sarcoidosis, berylliosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Research areas include investigations into the role that genetics, epithelial and mesenchymal cells, extracellular matrix components, and immune and inflammatory mediators have in initiating or regulating the development of interstitial lung disease. This program also supports clinical studies to establish well-phenotyped patient cohorts, assess the safety and efficacy of interventional treatments, and validate the use of biomarkers and clinical endpoints to monitor disease onset and progression. View funding information for the Granulomatous and Interstitial Lung Disease Program.

Contact: Louis Vuga, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Program Director, louis.vuga@nih.gov

The Lung Vascular Biology Program supports investigations of pulmonary vascular biology and disease. Research topics include the etiology, pathogenesis, and pharmacogenetics of pulmonary hypertension and associated right ventricular disease, prospective studies of pulmonary embolism pathogenesis and diagnosis, and molecular and physiologic regulation of the pulmonary vasculature and lymphatics. The program also includes research on the regulation of the barrier function of pulmonary endothelial cells and regulation of lung permeability and fluid balance. View funding information for the Lung Vascular Biology Program.

Contact: Lei Xiao, M.D., Ph.D., Program Director, lei.xiao@nih.gov

Training programs in Pulmonary and Critical Care Research pertain to research training and career development programs for all major research areas of relevance to the Division of Lung Diseases. These training and career development programs include institutional and individual programs for promising pulmonary researchers at the high school, undergraduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, junior faculty, and established investigator levels.  View funding information for the NHLBI’s training programs.

Contact: Roya Kalantari, Ph.D., Program Director, roya.kalantari@nih.gov

Contact: Marisol Espinoza-Pintucci, Ph.D., Program Director, marisol.espinoza-pintucci@nih.gov