Investigating how iron contributes to lung fibrosis
Official title: The Role of Iron In Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11229036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how tiny iron particles from things like asbestos and cigarette smoke might play a role in causing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a tough lung disease, and aims to find new ways to help treat it by understanding how these particles affect lung cells.
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) | $55,670 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL157450-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11229036 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 at risk due to exposure to iron-rich particulate matter.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis caused by factors unrelated to iron exposure 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, such as those from asbestos and cigarette smoke, contribute to the development of IPF. The researchers will explore the mechanisms by which iron affects lung fibroblasts, which are cells involved in the scarring of lung tissue. By identifying key genes related to iron accumulation and fibroblast activation, the study seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively target the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of iron in lung fibrosis is an emerging area of interest, this specific approach to understanding its mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
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
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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.