Metabolic changes in the lung stem-cell niche linked to pulmonary fibrosis
Metabolic Reprogramming of the Alveolar Stem Cell Niche in Pulmonary Fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11314538
Seeing whether shifts in cell metabolism near lung stem cells drive the scarring that occurs in people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11314538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at how metabolism in lung support cells affects the stem-like alveolar type 2 cells that repair the air sacs. The team is focusing on an enzyme called NNMT that may push supportive lipofibroblasts to become scar-forming myofibroblasts, using human lung cells, molecular profiling (including ATAC‑seq), metabolite measurements, and animal models to trace these changes. They will map epigenetic and metabolic shifts that change cell identity and test how altering NNMT-related pathways affects fibrosis. The goal is to discover mechanisms that could point to new ways to prevent or reverse lung scarring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other forms of pulmonary fibrosis who can provide clinical samples or participate in translational studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without lung fibrosis or those expecting an immediate therapeutic benefit from participation are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic/translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new drug targets or strategies to slow, stop, or reverse scarring in pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked metabolism and epigenetics in fibrosis and shown NNMT is increased in IPF, but directly targeting this metabolic switch in patients remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THANNICKAL, VICTOR J. — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: THANNICKAL, VICTOR J.
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 below.