Understanding how early healing processes work in injured lungs
Official title: Spatiotemporal control of early matricellular events in the injured lung
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11066890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the body help the lungs heal after a serious injury, like what happens in acute lung injury, to find new ways to help patients recover better in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $773,446 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177904-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, particularly those in intensive care settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic lung diseases or those who do not experience acute lung injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms involved in acute lung injury (ALI), also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a serious condition affecting patients in intensive care. The study focuses on the role of matricellular proteins, particularly thrombospondin-1, in the early stages of lung repair following injury. By examining how these proteins interact with structural components of the lung, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve recovery outcomes for patients suffering from ALI. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of biological signals that occur during the healing process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that specifically target the underlying causes of acute lung injury, improving recovery rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting matricellular proteins for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Janet Sojung — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Janet Sojung
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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.