PAI-1 protein's role in lung scarring in pulmonary fibrosis
A Novel PAI-1 Function Drives Lung Fibrosis
Testing whether blocking a protein called PAI‑1 can reduce harmful lung scarring in people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called PAI‑1 that appears to drive the scarring process in lungs affected by pulmonary fibrosis. They use mouse models, engineered versions of the protein, and tissue experiments to pinpoint which PAI‑1 functions cause fibrosis independent of its usual enzyme‑inhibiting role. The team is examining PAI‑1 interactions with matrix proteins like vitronectin and with pro‑fibrotic signals such as TGF‑β to map the exact mechanism. Findings will be used to design targeted ways to block the harmful actions of PAI‑1 that could lead to new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other progressive fibrotic lung diseases could be candidates for future clinical trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without fibrotic lung disease (for example those with purely inflammatory airway conditions) are unlikely to benefit from PAI‑1–targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new, more effective therapies that slow or reverse lung scarring in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have repeatedly linked PAI‑1 activity to worse fibrosis, but targeting its specific pro‑fibrotic functions is relatively new and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sisson, Thomas H — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Sisson, Thomas H
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.