Investigating a protein's role in lung fibrosis
Official title: Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 in Profibrotic Gene Expression and Lung Fibrosis
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11017828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Brd4 affects the genes that make lung scarring worse in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and by blocking Brd4, researchers hope to find a new way to help improve lung health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,324 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151702-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those without a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease characterized by changes in gene expression due to epigenetic alterations. The study aims to understand how bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) influences the expression of genes that contribute to fibrosis in the lungs. By inhibiting Brd4, researchers hope to reduce the activity of these profibrotic genes, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach. The methodology involves examining chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes in response to Brd4 inhibition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce lung fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting epigenetic mechanisms for treating fibrosis, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Yan — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Yan
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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.