Understanding how inflammatory fibroblasts develop and function in lung injuries
Official title: Induction, fate and function of inflammatory fibroblasts
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10978077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in the lungs that can change when there's an injury, to help us understand how they might contribute to lung problems like pulmonary fibrosis, which could be helpful for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
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 start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $774,585 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL171159-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing acute respiratory distress or those diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those who do not have inflammatory responses in their lungs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of inflammatory fibroblasts, which are specialized cells that can emerge from normal lung fibroblasts in response to injury. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to trace the development and behavior of these cells in models of lung injury. The study will explore how these inflammatory fibroblasts contribute to lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, which can lead to severe respiratory issues. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms of lung inflammation and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target inflammatory fibroblasts, potentially improving outcomes for patients with lung injuries and fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of fibroblasts in lung diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheppard, Dean — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sheppard, Dean
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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.