Proteomic clues for early and late lung fibrosis
Official title: Proteomic markers of early and late stage pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11397762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying protein markers in the lungs to understand how pulmonary fibrosis starts and progresses, with the aim of helping people at risk for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $632,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older with or at risk for fibrotic interstitial lung disease.
✕Less likely to help
People without ILD or IPF or those not involved in the biomarker analyses may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks for proteomic markers in people with or at risk of fibrotic lung disease to identify who might develop IPF and who may benefit from early therapies. The team plans to collect and analyze biological samples in a non-invasive way to find signals that correlate with disease progression. Findings could help tailor future clinical trials and preventive strategies for adults with ILD. Participants may learn about risk factors and potential future therapeutic options through dedicated study activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better early detection and more targeted treatments for IPF and related lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified various proteomic markers, but this work aims to uncover markers across disease stages to guide therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, John S — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kim, John S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
This grant explores how rare SFTPC mutations in alveolar cells may drive IPF and seeks new molecular targets to improve treatment.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Role of lactate transporters in lung scarring
Aims to see if blocking lactate transporters can slow or stop scar-forming cells from thickening the lungs in people with fibrotic lung disease.
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.