Investigating how iron contributes to lung fibrosis
Official title: The Role of Iron In Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11001541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny iron particles from things like asbestos and cigarette smoke might make idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) worse, with the hope of finding new treatments for this serious lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,557 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157450-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those with a history of exposure to iron-rich particulate matter.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis due to causes other than iron exposure or those with other unrelated lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease with no known cure. It aims to understand how inhaled iron-rich particles, like those from asbestos and cigarette smoke, contribute to the disease's progression. The study will explore the mechanisms by which iron affects lung fibroblasts, which are cells involved in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs. By identifying key genes related to iron accumulation and fibroblast activation, the research seeks to pave the way for new therapies to treat IPF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve outcomes for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of iron in IPF is understudied, related research has shown that targeting molecular mechanisms in lung diseases can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Lin — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Liu, Lin
Related research
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Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
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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.