How a common MUC5B gene change leads to scarring in the lungs (UIP)
Official title: Molecular Determinants of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP)
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11383510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are examining how a common MUC5B gene change alters lung cell gene activity in people with scarring lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis–related interstitial lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $687,193 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158668-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11383510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with a UIP pattern on lung imaging or pathology, including those with IPF, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD, would be the most relevant participants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a UIP pattern, those with primarily non-fibrotic lung disease, or people whose lung disease is driven by unrelated causes are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
This project compares lungs that show the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern across different diseases to find shared molecular changes linked to the MUC5B promoter variant. Scientists will use techniques such as ATAC-seq to map open chromatin and will measure gene expression to see which genes and regulatory regions are affected. They will analyze samples from patients with IPF, CHP, and RA‑ILD and may use laboratory models to test how the MUC5B change alters cell behavior. The aim is to identify core molecular drivers of UIP that could point to new diagnostic markers or treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to better diagnostics or treatments for patients with UIP-pattern lung scarring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked the MUC5B promoter variant to increased risk of IPF and some other ILDs, but applying ATAC-seq to define shared regulatory changes across UIP types is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, David Albert — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, David Albert
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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.