Molecular origins of chronic lung diseases in the human lung
Official title: Unraveling the molecular origins of chronic parenchymal lung diseases
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11415568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are mapping the tiny cell neighborhoods in diseased lungs to find early clues that could protect or restore normal lung function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $893,029 |
| NIH project number | 5U01HL175444-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic parenchymal lung diseases such as PF or BPD, or those at risk due to alveolar and tissue abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without lung disease are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project creates a spatial map of cells in chronic lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, showing how cell signals and tissue organization change as disease progresses. It uses single-cell and spatial techniques to reveal how interactions between different lung cells influence disease patterns. The goal is to identify early molecular targets in the diseased alveolar niche that could be stabilized or reversed to preserve lung function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that halt or reverse early lung remodeling and improve breathing for patients with chronic lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar single-cell and spatial atlas studies have provided important insights, with ongoing translation potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kropski, Jonathan Andrew — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kropski, Jonathan Andrew
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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.