How certain lung cells help heal injuries in the lungs
Official title: p16INK4a+ fibroblasts regulate epithelial regeneration after injury in lung alveoli through the SASP
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11063318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain lung cells help heal lung injuries, especially as we age or face environmental challenges, using a special mouse model to see how these cells work in different parts of the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL168365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced lung injuries or have conditions affecting lung function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-lung related injuries or conditions that do not involve epithelial regeneration in the lungs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific lung cells, known as p16INK4a+ fibroblasts, in the healing process after lung injuries. By using a special mouse model, researchers will explore how these cells contribute to the regeneration of lung tissue and whether their effects are limited to certain areas of the lungs. The study aims to understand the balance between the beneficial and detrimental roles of these cells in lung repair, particularly in the context of aging and environmental stressors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance lung healing and regeneration in patients with lung injuries or diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of senescent cells in tissue regeneration, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reyes de Barboza, Nabora Soledad — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Reyes de Barboza, Nabora Soledad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improved MRI guidance for pediatric heart catheterization using autonomous multi-beat image synthesis
Aiming to make MRI-guided pediatric heart catheterizations safer and more reliable by using smart, multi-beat data fusion to produce clearer real-time MRI images.
-
Adapting a combination approach to reduce heavy drinking and boost HIV care and prevention among young men
A pilot project tests a proven program that helps young men cut down on heavy drinking and improves HIV treatment and prevention outcomes.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Pharmacometrics Core at UC San Diego
A pharmacometrics core is funded to support researchers in analyzing drug data to improve how medicines work for patients.
-
Milk Analytics Core for Precision Dairy Research
A core facility at UC San Diego will provide specialized milk analysis services to support research on dairy biology and human health.
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.