Investigating the role of DOCK2 in lung scarring
Official title: D0CK2 in pleural fibrosis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler · NIH-11046519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at pleural fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring in the lungs, and aims to learn how certain cells and a protein called DOCK2 contribute to this problem, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with this condition breathe easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tyler, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $372,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171576-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pleural fibrosis or related lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung diseases not related to pleural fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pleural fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring of the pleura and leads to restrictive lung disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this condition, particularly the role of pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) and a protein called DOCK2 in the process of mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT). By examining how these cells interact and respond to certain signals, the research seeks to identify potential new therapeutic targets for treating pleural fibrosis. The approach includes laboratory experiments using human pleural mesothelial cells to observe the effects of manipulating DOCK2 levels on cell behavior and fibrosis development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from pleural fibrosis, improving lung function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of DOCK2 in pleural fibrosis is being explored here, similar approaches targeting cellular mechanisms in fibrosis have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
Tyler, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qian, Guoqing — University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
- Study coordinator: Qian, Guoqing
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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.