Investigating how lactate transporters affect lung scarring
Official title: Role of lactate transporters in pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11109558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that help move lactate in the body affect the cells that cause scarring in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and by blocking these proteins, the researchers hope to find a way to reduce lung scarring and improve health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $862,439 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167718-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109558 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 of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those without 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 excessive scarring. The study aims to understand how lactate transporters influence the differentiation of myofibroblasts, which are key cells involved in lung fibrosis. By inhibiting these transporters, the researchers hope to prevent myofibroblast differentiation and reduce lung scarring. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and animal models to explore the metabolic changes associated with lactate transporter inhibition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antifibrotic therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with metabolic approaches in treating fibrosis, suggesting potential for success in this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oldham, William Michael — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Oldham, William Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
This grant explores how rare SFTPC mutations in alveolar cells may drive IPF and seeks new molecular targets to improve treatment.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
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).
-
Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Role of lactate transporters in lung scarring
Aims to see if blocking lactate transporters can slow or stop scar-forming cells from thickening the lungs in people with fibrotic lung disease.
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.