Creating 3D models to study lung fibrosis.
Official title: Engineering 3D microtissues of pulmonary fibrosis.
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10901715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by creating a 3D model of lung tissue, using cells from both healthy people and those with IPF, to better understand how these cells work together and could help find new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174133-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those of varying ages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those not diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease that leads to scarring of lung tissue. The project aims to develop a 3D microtissue model that mimics the lung environment to better understand how age-related factors contribute to the disease. By using human fibroblasts from both IPF patients and healthy individuals, researchers will investigate how these cells interact and remodel the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for lung function. This innovative approach allows for real-time observation of cell behavior and could lead to new insights into potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potentially new therapies for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using 3D microtissue models has shown promise in studying fibrotic diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nieves, Elisa B — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Nieves, Elisa B
Related research
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-
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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.