p53 acetylation and alveolar stem cell aging in progressive lung fibrosis
Official title: p53 acetylation drives alveolar progenitor cells senescence in progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11449164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how changes to a cancer-related protein, p53, affect aging lung cells and contribute to a scary lung disease called IPF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $671,107 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG097434-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or related lung diseases could benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Outcomes may not directly benefit patients with non-IPF lung diseases or those not involved in subsequent trials or therapies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how a specific chemical change to p53 (acetylation) may keep lung alveolar progenitor cells from functioning properly, leading to scarring in the lungs. Using mouse models, the team links AT2 cell aging and senescence to the development of fibrosis and tests how altering p53 acetylation impacts disease progression. The research builds on patient data showing senescent-like AT2 cells in fibrotic lung regions and uses genetic tools to manipulate p53 pathways in AT2 cells. Findings could reveal new targets to prevent or slow lung scarring in IPF patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new strategies to prevent AT2 cell aging and slow IPF progression, potentially improving lung function and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked AT2 cell aging and p53 pathways to lung fibrosis, with promising insights but still requiring validation in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Changfu — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yao, Changfu
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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.