Investigating how lung cell dysfunction contributes to pulmonary fibrosis using patient-specific stem cells
Official title: Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells to study the role of alveolar type 2 cell dysfunction in pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11002022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain lung cells that aren't working properly might lead to pulmonary fibrosis, using special cells from patients to create a model that helps us understand the problem better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,216 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL163494-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis or related interstitial lung diseases, particularly those with specific genetic variants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis caused by factors unrelated to alveolar epithelial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cell dysfunction in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) by utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients. The researchers will create a model system that mimics human lung cells to study how these dysfunctional cells contribute to the fibrotic process. By examining the mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating PF. The findings will be validated using animal models to ensure relevance to human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with this condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using patient-specific iPSC models to study various diseases, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alysandratos, Konstantinos — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Alysandratos, Konstantinos
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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.