Santosh Kumar, PhD, assistant professor in Cardiovascular Medicine, was awarded a two-year, $110,000 pilot grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) to research endothelial function in relation to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the CFTR gene is present in endothelial cells and that it affects barrier function. Disruption in that function can lead to organ damage and even death. What is unclear is how CFTR affects endothelial cells’ ability to regulate that essential and constant flow of blood.

Kumar’s research will 1) determine the role of endothelial CFTR in vascular function and 2) determine the molecular mechanism by which CFTR regulates nitric oxide (NO) production.

“People with cystic fibrosis have problems with their blood vessels,” Kumar said, explaining that the results of this study may point to why. “Specifically, we want to examine the function of blood vessels using animal models of cystic fibrosis and study the mechanism of this phenomena. This study will identify the cause of blood vessel disease in cystic fibrosis patients.” Once identified, correcting or aiding that mechanism may be helpful in treating vascular diseases in CF patients.

Kumar is one of a very few department members outside of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine to receive a grant from CFF. His award is a testament to the importance of his research to CFF’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.

Kumar said he is grateful to the Pulmonary Division for their guidance and advice. “I got unconditional support from Dr. David Stoltz and his team to generate most of the preliminary data for this proposal. He has been very generous and helpful from conception of the proposal through the final draft,” Kumar said.