Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Official title: Molecular Regulation of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11577962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,696 |
| NIH project number | 7R35HL150829-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11577962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or progressive fibrotic lung disease and willingness to participate in future translational studies or receive targeted therapies as they emerge.
✕Less likely to help
People without progressive lung fibrosis or those not eligible for future trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how lung alveolar cells and surrounding supporting cells interact to cause ongoing scarring in the lungs. The team studies specific molecules like CD44 and hyaluronan to understand inflammation and stem cell renewal in alveoli. By examining mouse models and human tissue, they aim to uncover why repair mechanisms fail and how invasive fibroblasts expand in fibrotic lungs. The findings could point to new targets to slow or halt fibrosis by addressing epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and regenerative capacity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets to slow or stop progressive lung fibrosis and inform future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that matrix components and receptor signaling influence lung inflammation and repair, with ongoing interest in translating these concepts to therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noble, Paul Wesley — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Noble, Paul Wesley
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Understanding how lung fibrosis progresses at a molecular level
This study is looking at how a substance called hyaluronan affects lung inflammation and healing in people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve lung health.
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.