Turning on MMP-9 to help clear lung scarring
Official title: Activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 is essential to overcome failed fibrosis resolution
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-11321572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work tries to activate an enzyme called MMP-9 so people with lung scarring, like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, can break down and clear stubborn scar tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $665,180 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173030-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with interstitial lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, especially those with progressive lung scarring, would be the main candidates for related patient-focused work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fibrotic lung conditions or those with very advanced, end-stage lung disease may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
They will study lung tissue from people with interstitial lung disease and use mouse models to understand why MMP-9 is often present but stays inactive in scarred lungs. The team will map the activation cascade (uPA → plasmin → MMP-9) and measure how inhibitors such as PAI-1 block that cascade. Laboratory experiments will manipulate the activating enzymes and track whether restoring MMP-9 activity helps remove excess extracellular matrix and resolve fibrosis. Results could point to targets for drugs that help the lung clear scar tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to therapies that reduce or reverse lung scarring and improve breathing and quality of life for people with ILD/IPF.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show higher but often inactive MMP-9 in IPF lungs and mouse data suggest activating MMP-9 can aid fibrosis resolution, so the idea is promising but not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Redente, Elizabeth Frances — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Redente, Elizabeth Frances
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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.