Investigating how a protein affects immune cells in lung disease
Official title: Intracellular Osteopontin induces Pathologic Macrophage phenotypes in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10991270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called osteopontin affects certain immune cells in the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis, which could help find new ways to treat this serious lung condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL175889-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or related lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease that do not involve pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of intracellular osteopontin in the development of pathologic macrophage phenotypes associated with pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition. The study aims to explore how this protein influences immune cell behavior and contributes to the progression of the disease. By utilizing advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing, researchers will analyze the genetic and molecular changes in macrophages that may lead to fibrosis. This could provide insights into new therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or even reverse the effects of pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of osteopontin in pulmonary fibrosis has been studied, the specific focus on its intracellular isoform is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messerschmidt, Jonathan Leigh — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Messerschmidt, Jonathan 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.