Understanding how genetics influence the risk of chronic lung diseases like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
Official title: Uncovering the genetically-driven differential susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11001125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect the risk of developing lung diseases like COPD and IPF, and it aims to find out how these genetic differences can help us create more personalized treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $697,156 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162813-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those with a family history of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated respiratory conditions or those without a genetic predisposition to COPD or IPF may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to the differing risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), two serious lung conditions. By analyzing genetic variants identified in previous studies, the researchers aim to uncover how these variants function as 'molecular switches' that influence disease development. The study will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR technology, to explore the underlying mechanisms and identify the specific lung cell types affected by these genetic factors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on their genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genome-wide association studies have successfully identified genetic loci associated with COPD, suggesting that this approach has potential for uncovering new insights into disease mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Michael H. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cho, Michael H.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genes that push lungs toward COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
This work looks at how specific gene changes in lung cells might push people toward COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, especially among older adults and people who smoke or used to smoke.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
This grant explores how rare SFTPC mutations in alveolar cells may drive IPF and seeks new molecular targets to improve treatment.
-
Ethics-aware Multimodal AI for COPD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
A broad AI model uses diverse health data to help predict and manage COPD in people, with an emphasis on ethics and fairness.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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.