How fibroblasts help repair lungs by interacting with dead cells
Official title: Interaction of fibroblasts with cell corpses increases collagen synthesis during lung repair
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-10857231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain cells in your lungs help heal after an injury by working with dead cells to boost the production of collagen, which is important for repairing lung tissue, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for lung problems.
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $605,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166938-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with lung injuries or conditions that impair lung repair, such as those caused by inflammation or fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable lung conditions that do not involve injury or inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fibroblasts, a type of cell involved in tissue repair, interact with dead cells in the lungs to promote healing after injury. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these interactions increase collagen production, which is essential for repairing lung tissue. By examining the role of specific receptors and metabolic processes in fibroblasts, the research aims to uncover new insights into lung repair mechanisms. Patients may benefit from improved treatments for lung injuries and diseases as a result of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance lung repair and improve outcomes for patients with lung injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cell interactions in tissue repair can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may also yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccubbrey, Alexandra Leigh — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Mccubbrey, Alexandra Leigh
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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.