Defining how early pulmonary fibrosis develops at the molecular level
Official title: Project 4: Defining the Molecular Natural History of Early and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11392457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying early stages of pulmonary fibrosis at the molecule-by-molecule level to understand how the disease starts and progresses in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $396,238 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL172729-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for familial pulmonary fibrosis and those with established disease who donate biopsy samples or contribute data.
✕Less likely to help
Very early-stage biomarker discovery studies may not immediately benefit participants beyond contributing to knowledge.
What this research studies
This grant uses advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map which cells and networks drive early pulmonary fibrosis, including analysis of biopsy samples from people at risk and those with established disease. The team will examine how cell neighborhoods and gene activity change over time to pinpoint when and where the disease pathways begin. By linking molecular data with tissue context, they aim to reveal targets for earlier intervention and better monitoring. The work builds on prior findings to localize dysregulation in the earliest disease phases using FFPE samples from a well-characterized cohort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments that target the initial molecular changes in pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-cell and spatial transcriptomics work in PF has identified new cell states and tissue niches, with promise for future therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banovich, Nicholas Eli — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Banovich, Nicholas Eli
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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.