How cells interact to heal the lung and make collagen
Interaction of fibroblasts with cell corpses increases collagen synthesis during lung repair
This work explores how certain cells in the lung, called fibroblasts, interact with dead cells to produce collagen, which is important for 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 ID | NIH-11125794 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When your lungs get injured, a natural healing process begins to restore health. Fibroblasts are key cells that help repair the lung by multiplying and creating new tissue, especially collagen, to close wounds. This project looks at how these fibroblasts interact with dead cells that appear after lung injury and inflammation. We've found that when fibroblasts recognize these dead cells, they increase collagen production, which is a crucial step in healthy lung repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand processes relevant to individuals experiencing lung injury, inflammation, or conditions like lung fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients without lung injury or conditions involving lung repair and collagen synthesis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to promote healthy lung repair and prevent excessive scarring (fibrosis) after injury or disease.
How similar studies have performed: While prior research has focused on other cell types interacting with dead cells, this specific interaction between fibroblasts and dead cells in the lung is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Denver, United States
- 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 below.