Targeting an amino acid transporter to fight lung scarring
Official title: Targeting the Amino Acid Transporter SLC7A5 for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11385344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is studying whether blocking a specific transporter (SLC7A5) in lung cells can slow or stop the scarring process seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $493,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167732-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or related lung fibrosis conditions could potentially benefit from future therapies developed based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fibrotic lung diseases or without a role for amino acid transport pathways may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung disease where scar tissue slowly worsens breathing. This project focuses on how amino acids enter cells and fuel the fibroblast growth that drives fibrosis, with the goal of finding new drug targets. The scientists will study how blocking SLC7A5 affects cell signals, cell survival, and the fibrotic changes in lung tissue using laboratory experiments that may point to new therapies. If successful, the work could lead to treatments that slow fibrosis by interrupting multiple pathways involved in fibroblast activation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to slow or halt lung fibrosis and improve breathing for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports the idea that metabolic pathways and amino acid transport influence fibrosis, suggesting a plausible path forward, though the exact approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choudhury, Malay — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Choudhury, Malay
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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.