How lung cells compete in pulmonary fibrosis and ARDS
Official title: Cell competition in pulmonary fibrosis and ARDS
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11166491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how some lung cells outcompete others to help explain scarring in people with pulmonary fibrosis and sudden severe lung injury (ARDS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $954,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL161169-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, survivors of ARDS, or those willing to donate lung tissue, sputum, or blood samples would be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without lung scarring or respiratory conditions unrelated to fibrosis are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the near term.
What this research studies
This research follows how different lung epithelial cells behave after injury and which cells survive, die, or change identity in ways that lead to scarring. Investigators will examine human lung samples alongside lab models (cell cultures and animal models) and use genetic tools to trace cell lineages and responses to stress such as viral infection or aging. The team aims to link cell-level competition events to the development of fibrotic lesions and honeycombing seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and to damage patterns after ARDS. By pinpointing the cellular steps that drive scarring, they hope to reveal targets for treatments that could protect or restore healthy lung tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or reduce lung scarring and lower the risk of deadly exacerbations after infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cellular and animal work shows cell competition can shape tissue health, but applying those ideas specifically to lung fibrosis and ARDS is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Langhe, Stijn Piet Johan — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: De Langhe, Stijn Piet Johan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cell competition in lung fibrosis and ARDS
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how lung cells compete and repair after injury in people with severe lung diseases like IPF, ARDS, and after viral infections, to find ways to improve recovery.
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Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
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Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
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Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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.