Understanding Collagen Buildup in Lung Scarring

Intracellular Collagen Sensing in Pulmonary Fibrosis

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11137757

This research explores how our bodies manage collagen, a protein that can build up and cause scarring in the lungs for people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137757 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung condition where too much collagen accumulates, leading to scarring and difficulty breathing. Currently, there are no treatments that can reverse this scarring. Our team has found a new way that cells sense and clear collagen, which seems to be impaired in IPF. We aim to understand this process better, hoping to find new ways to help the body remove excess collagen and potentially reverse lung damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and future therapeutic developments.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help clear collagen from the lungs, potentially reversing fibrosis and improving breathing for patients with IPF.

How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on recent discoveries from our team using unbiased screening methods, suggesting a novel mechanism not previously understood.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.