A receptor that drives radiation-related lung scarring
The Thromboxane-Prostanoid Receptor in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11171568
Researchers are testing whether blocking a receptor called TPr can prevent or reduce lung scarring after chest radiation in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you've had chest radiation, this research looks at a receptor (the thromboxane‑prostanoid receptor, TPr) on lung fibroblasts that may drive scarring after radiation. The team found TPr active in human and mouse fibrotic lung cells and will block it in mouse models of radiation and chemical lung injury to see if scarring is reduced. They will also measure oxidative signaling molecules called F2‑isoprostanes in tissues and patient samples to link radiation damage to TPr activation. The goal is to find a druggable target that could lead to treatments preventing progressive radiation‑induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have received or will receive thoracic radiation and who are at risk for or showing early signs of radiation‑induced lung injury.
Not a fit: People whose lung fibrosis is caused by unrelated conditions (not tied to radiation or oxidative activation of TPr) or those with very advanced, irreversible fibrosis may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that prevent or lessen lung scarring and breathing problems after chest radiotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking TPr or related pathways has reduced fibrosis in mouse models, but this approach is not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEST, JAMES D — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: WEST, JAMES D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.