Understanding how lung cells respond to mechanical signals in fibrosis
Official title: Mechanosensing in lung fibrosis
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10944346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects lung cells in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and testing a new way to deliver treatments that might help reduce lung scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $545,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175067-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those who are older and may have age-related factors influencing their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those who do not have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mechanosensing in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease characterized by scarring and difficulty in breathing. The study aims to understand how aging affects the behavior of lung cells, particularly fibroblasts, in response to mechanical signals from their environment. Using a 3D bioengineered model that simulates lung tissue, researchers will explore how these cells contribute to fibrosis and test the effectiveness of inhaled microparticles that deliver specific inhibitors to reduce lung scarring. This approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing IPF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that slow down or reverse lung fibrosis, improving the quality of life for patients with IPF.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mechanosensing in other fibrotic diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs in treating IPF.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Andres J — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Andres J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
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.
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.