Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded the University of Vermont & State Agricultural College a $753,907 Project Grant under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) effective July 15, 2026, through April 30, 2030. This award funds research investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and epithelial cell dysfunction. The project examines how Ovarian Tumor Deubiquitinase 1 (OTUB1) protein and its glutathione-conjugation modifications contribute to aberrant epithelial cell persistence and lung fibrosis progression, with particular focus on identifying therapeutic targets through chemical modifiers that could interrupt pathogenic signaling pathways.

The research deliverables include mechanistic studies of protein ubiquitination and deubiquitinase function in lung epithelial cells, characterization of glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP) expression patterns in patient tissues, and evaluation of a novel chemical compound (EN523) as a potential therapeutic agent. Conducted at the University of Vermont's Burlington, Vermont facility, the project contributes to the NHLBI's portfolio of basic and translational science research aimed at understanding lung disease pathogenesis and developing evidence-based interventions for chronic pulmonary conditions.