Understanding how let-7 microRNA affects lung cell health and disease
Official title: Delineating the role of let-7 microRNA on lung AT2 cell homeostasis, alveolar regeneration, and interstitial lung disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11064099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called let-7 helps keep important lung cells healthy, which could lead to better treatments for people with lung diseases like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,962 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167814-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with interstitial lung diseases, particularly those with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung diseases unrelated to interstitial lung disease or those without significant lung function impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of let-7 microRNA in maintaining the health of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells in the lungs, which are crucial for lung repair and function. By studying how disruptions in these cells contribute to interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to these conditions. The approach involves using animal models to observe changes in lung cell behavior and structure when let-7 microRNA is altered. This could provide insights into potential new treatments for patients suffering from ILDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating interstitial lung diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microRNAs in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Antony — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Antony
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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.