Understanding how certain cells contribute to lung disease in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Uncovering the genomic regulatory network of myofibroblast differentiation in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10910899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes help turn cells into myofibroblasts, which are important in lung problems for people with systemic sclerosis, to better understand how to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $161,136 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL161258-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and associated interstitial lung disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease not related to systemic sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the gene regulatory networks that control the differentiation of myofibroblasts, which are crucial cells involved in fibrosis, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to the formation of these cells, as they play a significant role in the progression of lung disease. By utilizing advanced techniques in computational and molecular biology, the research seeks to develop a deeper understanding of these processes, which could inform future treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to targeted therapies for this challenging condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target myofibroblasts, potentially improving outcomes for patients with systemic sclerosis-associated lung disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting myofibroblast differentiation in SSc-ILD is novel, similar research in other fibrotic diseases has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valenzi, Eleanor — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Valenzi, Eleanor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
-
From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
-
Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
A study in adults with systemic sclerosis will look at how blood vessels in the lungs and body relate to the development of lung disease, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent it.
-
Functional markers to guide treatment in systemic sclerosis–related lung disease
A research grant at USC is studying blood biomarkers that show whether medicines are helping people with systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease.
-
Systemic sclerosis-related lung disease: who’s at risk and what blood markers hint at it
A dedicated research grant asks how to identify which people with systemic sclerosis will develop interstitial lung disease and which blood biomarkers can signal that risk.
-
New treatments for lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
This project looks for new drug targets and therapies to help people with systemic sclerosis who have scarring in their lungs.
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.