Understanding Early Lung Scarring in Families
Preclinical Pulmonary Fibrosis, an opportune rare disease cohort
This project aims to understand why some people develop early signs of lung scarring, called preclinical pulmonary fibrosis, especially in families with a history of this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding the very first stages of lung scarring, known as preclinical pulmonary fibrosis (PrePF), before the damage becomes irreversible. We are looking at family members of individuals who have a severe lung condition called familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP). By studying these first-degree relatives, many of whom are currently unaffected, we hope to discover how genetic factors and environmental exposures work together to cause PrePF. Our goal is to identify different types of PrePF and predict how they might progress, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be first-degree relatives of individuals diagnosed with familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP) or idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP).
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a family history of familial interstitial pneumonia or related lung scarring conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, potentially preventing irreversible lung damage.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on preclinical pulmonary fibrosis in this cohort is novel, previous studies have successfully identified genetic and environmental risk factors for established lung diseases.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, David Albert — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, David Albert
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.