New treatments targeting specific cells to combat lung scarring in pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Optimization of fibroblast-selective inhibitors of YAP/TAZ as novel therapeutics for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10972752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by exploring how certain proteins can cause lung scarring, and it aims to find safe drugs that can help reduce that scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $596,061 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HL161804-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10972752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who are experiencing progressive lung function decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those who do not have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease characterized by excessive scarring. The team is investigating how specific proteins, YAP and TAZ, contribute to the activation of fibroblasts, which are cells that promote fibrosis. By selectively inhibiting these proteins in fibroblasts, the researchers aim to reduce lung scarring while minimizing effects on other cell types. The approach includes high-throughput screening of small molecules to identify potential drug candidates that can effectively target these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve lung function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting YAP/TAZ pathways for fibrosis treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heynen-Genel, Susanne — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Heynen-Genel, Susanne
Related research
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Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
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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.