NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how certain cells contribute to lung scarring in pulmonary fibrosis

Official title: Frontiers at the edge: Subpleural fibroblasts orchestrate pulmonary fibrosis progression

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11094718 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into how certain cells in the lungs contribute to the worsening of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with the goal of finding better ways to diagnose and treat this lung condition for patients like you.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$153,130
NIH project number5K99HL171830-02
Project IDNIH-11094718 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or those at risk of developing this condition.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of lung disease unrelated to pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue. The study focuses on the role of specific fibroblast cells located at the edges of the lungs, which may drive the progression of fibrosis. Using advanced techniques like lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing, researchers aim to uncover the biological signals that initiate and exacerbate this disease. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for patients with IPF.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the cellular mechanisms of fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Xu, Le — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Xu, Le

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.