Understanding how a protein called integrin αvβ6 controls TGF-β to help lung fibrosis
Conformational regulation of TGF-β activation by integrin αvβ6
This research aims to deeply understand how a key protein called TGF-β works, hoping to find new and better ways to treat lung scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Lung fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue becomes scarred, and currently, there are no effective treatments. A protein called TGF-β plays a major role in causing this scarring, making it a potential target for new medicines. However, directly targeting TGF-β can have unwanted side effects because it also performs essential normal functions in the body. Our approach focuses on understanding how TGF-β is 'activated' by another protein, integrin αvβ6, which could allow for more precise and safer treatments for fibrosing lung disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately intended to benefit patients diagnosed with fibrosing lung disease.
Not a fit: Patients without fibrosing lung disease or those whose condition is not related to TGF-β activation may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more targeted, and safer treatments for patients suffering from fibrosing lung disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has shown the importance of integrins in activating TGF-β, providing a foundation for this focused approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nishimura, Stephen L — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nishimura, Stephen L
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.