How a protein called AMPK helps resolve lung scarring
AMPK in the Development and resolution of Lung Fibrosis
We are learning how a natural process in the body, called efferocytosis, can be improved by a protein called AMPK to help heal lung scarring in conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people with lung scarring, like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the body struggles to clear away dead cells, which can make the scarring worse. Our goal is to understand how a specific protein, called AMPK, can help the body's immune cells clear these dead cells more effectively. We are exploring how activating AMPK might change the behavior of these immune cells in the lungs, encouraging them to resolve scarring rather than letting it persist. This work uses advanced techniques to observe these cellular processes in detail, aiming to find new ways to help the lungs heal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients living with fibrosing lung disorders, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct participation in a human clinical trial would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the body naturally clear lung scarring and improve outcomes for patients with conditions like IPF.
How similar studies have performed: This foundational research explores new mechanisms, and while components of AMPK signaling are known, its specific role in resolving lung fibrosis through efferocytosis is still being established.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zmijewski, Jaroslaw Waldemar — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Zmijewski, Jaroslaw Waldemar
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.