How lung cell mechanics affect metabolism in pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Mechanotransduction regulation of cellular metabolism in pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10887055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stiff lung tissue and high levels of lactate affect people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the disease by understanding how certain lung cells behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,543 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL169903-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or those with non-fibrotic lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease unrelated to fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between lung cell mechanics and metabolism in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease. The study focuses on how increased stiffness in lung tissue and elevated lactate levels contribute to the worsening of fibrosis. By examining lung fibroblasts from both healthy and IPF patients, the researchers aim to understand the role of the mechanoreceptor Piezo2 in driving metabolic changes that exacerbate the disease. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that slow down or reverse the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in fibrotic diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas Freeberg, Margaret — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Thomas Freeberg, Margaret
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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.