Collagen oxidation and cell signals in aging-related lung fibrosis
Official title: Collagen Oxidation, Myofibroblast Activation and Age-Associated Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11378412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing study exploring how aging-related changes in collagen and cell signaling contribute to scarring in the lungs of people with a condition like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $482,898 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074488-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for age-related fibrotic lung disease (such as IPF) who may contribute tissue samples or participate in related observational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fibrotic lung conditions or those unable to provide informed consent may receive no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how chemical changes in collagen and how lung cells communicate influence the buildup of scar tissue in aging lungs. Researchers are studying a specific protein modification called glutathionylation and how it affects collagen breakdown and the activation of fibroblasts, which drive fibrosis. The work uses human tissue observations and lab experiments to connect redox changes with persistent lung scarring, aiming to identify new points where therapy might help. If successful, findings could guide the development of treatments that slow or reverse fibrosis by targeting these redox and collagen-processing pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach succeeds, it could lead to new strategies to slow lung scarring and preserve lung function in patients with IPF-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that redox changes and collagen modifications are linked to fibrosis, supporting a plausible path to meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Janssen-Heininger, Yvonne M. W. — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Janssen-Heininger, Yvonne M. W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
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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.