Fibroblasts and dying cells: how they help lung repair form collagen
Official title: Interaction of fibroblasts with cell corpses increases collagen synthesis during lung repair
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-11365139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research study looks at how lung fibroblasts interact with dead cells to boost collagen production during healing after lung injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $610,978 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166938-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute or chronic lung injuries where fibroblast function and collagen remodeling are relevant may benefit from future therapies stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study is basic science and does not involve testing treatments in patients.
What this research studies
This project investigates how fibroblasts respond to dead cells produced by lung injury and how this affects repair. It focuses on a specific pathway where cell corpse recognition may boost collagen synthesis via polyamine metabolism and a key protein called eiF5a. The goal is to understand how these interactions promote healthy healing and to identify points where therapies could support recovery. Researchers will examine cellular signaling, protein production, and the role of the Axl receptor in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to enhance lung repair after injury by supporting fibroblast function and collagen production.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work shows macrophages interact with apoptotic cells, and this project explores a similar interaction with fibroblasts, which is a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccubbrey, Alexandra Leigh — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Mccubbrey, Alexandra Leigh
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.