DOCK2 and scarring of the lung lining (pleural fibrosis)
D0CK2 in pleural fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH CTR AT TYLER · NIH-11296849
This work looks at whether the protein DOCK2 helps drive scarring of the lung lining in people with pleural fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH CTR AT TYLER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TYLER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pleural fibrosis is scarring of the thin lining around the lungs that makes breathing harder. This project uses human pleural mesothelial cells from people to see how DOCK2 changes cell behavior when exposed to scarring signals like TGF-β. Researchers reduce DOCK2 in these cells and measure markers of mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (α-SMA, collagen-1, fibronectin), cell migration, and the Snail transcription factor. The aim is to map the steps that cause pleural scarring so new treatments might be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diagnosed pleural fibrosis or pleural scarring, or patients willing to donate pleural tissue or pleural fluid samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose breathing problems come from other lung diseases (like COPD or asthma) or whose pleural scarring is already advanced may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets that slow or prevent pleural scarring and improve breathing.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory work targeting mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has shown promise, but targeting DOCK2 is a relatively new idea supported so far by preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
TYLER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH CTR AT TYLER — TYLER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: QIAN, GUOQING — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH CTR AT TYLER
- Study coordinator: QIAN, GUOQING
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.