How low oxygen levels affect lung cells and contribute to lung fibrosis
Official title: Hypoxia-induced aberrant lactate generation and shuttling serves as a direct signal to promote pro-fibrotic fibroblast phenotypes
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11049235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in the lungs can change certain cells that play a big role in lung scarring, especially in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this tough condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $786,147 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL171164-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other forms of progressive lung fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung conditions unrelated to fibrosis or those without significant lung disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels in the lungs can lead to abnormal changes in lung cells, particularly fibroblasts, which are crucial in the development of lung fibrosis. The study focuses on how these cells produce lactate, a byproduct of metabolism, and how this process is altered in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). By examining lung tissue from patients and animal models, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that link hypoxia, lactate production, and the progression of lung fibrosis. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of lung fibrosis in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting metabolic pathways in lung fibroblasts can reduce fibrosis in animal models, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horowitz, Jeffrey C — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Horowitz, Jeffrey C
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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.