Understanding how lung injury and fibrosis develop
Official title: Mechanisms Regulating Lung Injury and Early Lung Fibrosis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10815858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,374,569 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL162607-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic variants associated with interstitial pneumonia or those experiencing early signs of lung injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established advanced lung fibrosis or those without genetic predispositions to lung injury may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, David Albert — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, David Albert
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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.