Epithelial cells trigger fibroblast activation in lung fibrosis through CTHRC1-TGFb signaling
Official title: Epithelial cell mediated fibroblast activation through CTHRC1-TGFb signaling in fibrotic lung diseases
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11415775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-scientist at Duke is studying how lung lining cells may turn normal fibroblasts into fibrosis-causing cells, aiming to uncover new targets for treatment of diseases like BO and IPF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $107,752 |
| NIH project number | 5K38HL180998-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with fibrotic lung diseases, particularly those with BO or IPF, who could be represented by patient-derived samples or inform future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without fibrotic lung disease are unlikely to directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
The project looks at how signals from airway and alveolar epithelial cells drive fibroblast activation via CTHRC1 and TGFβ pathways in fibrotic lung diseases. It uses cellular models to study interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts in bronchiolitis obliterans and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The work will identify key steps that push normal fibroblasts toward a fibrotic state, with the goal of informing future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to slow or stop lung fibrosis, potentially improving breathing and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests CTHRC1 and TGFβ signaling are involved in fibroblast activation, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khatri, Aaditya — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Khatri, Aaditya
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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.