NIH-funded research R01 grant

Lymphatic ERG signaling and fibrosis in scleroderma

Official title: Lymphatic ERG signaling in scleroderma fibrosis

Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11336853 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant explores how a key gene pathway involved in lymphatic vessels may contribute to fibrosis in scleroderma, with the goal of finding new targets to improve vascular health and tissue healing.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 7, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$525,939
NIH project number5R01AR080950-05
Project IDNIH-11336853 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) or related vascular/fibrotic manifestations may benefit from future therapies informed by this research.

Less likely to help

People without scleroderma or without vascular or fibrotic complications related to the condition may not be directly affected.

What this research studies

In scleroderma, blood vessel and lymphatic problems contribute to scarring and organ damage. The researchers will study how the ERG transcription factor affects the growth and function of both blood and lymphatic vessels, especially when injury and scarring occur. They plan to use models that mimic human disease to uncover how ERG influences wound healing and fibrosis. The findings could point to new points for therapy to improve vascular repair and reduce fibrosis in patients. This work aims to translate basic biology into potential treatments for scleroderma-related vascular disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets to improve blood and lymphatic vessel repair and reduce fibrosis in scleroderma patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows lymphatic/vessel signaling pathways can influence fibrosis, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights, though it remains exploratory.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University Medical Campus
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Trojanowska, Maria — Boston University Medical Campus
  • Study coordinator: Trojanowska, Maria

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.