How a specific enzyme affects lung fibrosis and healing
AMPK in the Development and resolution of Lung Fibrosis
This study is looking at how a protein called AMPK can help improve lung health in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by helping immune cells clean up dead cells in the lungs, which could lead to new treatments for the condition.
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-10881556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the development and resolution of lung fibrosis, particularly in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It aims to understand how AMPK influences the behavior of macrophages, which are immune cells that help clear dead cells from the lungs. By studying both young and aged mice, the research will explore how activating AMPK can enhance the clearance of apoptotic cells and potentially reverse fibrosis. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving lung health in affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or similar fibrosing lung disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with non-fibrotic lung conditions or those without significant lung impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help restore lung function and reduce fibrosis in patients with IPF.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of macrophages in fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.