Protecting a key lung receptor to help reverse scarring
Molecular regulation of BMPRII stability in lung fibrosis
This project works to keep a protein called BMPRII working in the lungs to help undo scarring in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have lung scarring (IPF), and this research looks at why a receptor called BMPRII is lost in fibrotic lungs and how restoring it might help heal scarring. The team studies how BMPRII is broken down in response to signals like TGF-β1 and oxidative stress, and how a protein called Nedd4L can stabilize BMPRII. They will use laboratory experiments with lung cells, animal models, and disease-relevant samples to test whether boosting BMPRII signaling causes myofibroblasts to revert and fibrosis to resolve. This is preclinical work focused on pathways that could lead to new anti-fibrotic treatments for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other progressive pulmonary fibrosis would be the patients most likely to benefit from therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without fibrotic lung disease or those whose disease is unrelated to BMP/BMPRII signaling are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that restore BMPRII signaling and help reverse lung scarring in people with IPF.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show BMP signaling can promote myofibroblast de-differentiation, but specifically targeting BMPRII stability is a newer approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Yutong — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Yutong
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.