Understanding how lung injury and fibrosis develop

Mechanisms Regulating Lung Injury and Early Lung Fibrosis

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10815858

This study is looking at how a molecule called MUC5B affects lung injuries and the scarring that can happen afterward, with the goal of finding ways to help people with lung diseases get better sooner.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10815858 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind lung injury and the development of lung fibrosis, focusing on a specific molecule called MUC5B. It aims to understand how MUC5B contributes to making the lungs vulnerable to injury and how a second event can lead to persistent damage and fibrosis. The study involves multiple scientific projects that explore the cellular responses and stress mechanisms in lung cells, particularly in the bronchoalveolar region. By examining these processes, the research seeks to identify potential targets for early intervention in lung diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic variants associated with interstitial pneumonia or those experiencing early signs of lung injury.

Not a fit: Patients with established advanced lung fibrosis or those without genetic predispositions to lung injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce lung fibrosis in at-risk patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lung injury mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on MUC5B is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.