NIH-funded research P01 program project

Understanding how MUC5B contributes to lung injury and fibrosis

Official title: Diversity Supplement to Mechanisms Regulating Lung Injury and Early Lung Fibrosis

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11012571 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a molecule called MUC5B makes lungs more prone to damage, which can lead to conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and it aims to find ways to help prevent or treat these lung issues for patients.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 18, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$207,079
NIH project number3P01HL162607-02S1
Project IDNIH-11012571 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic variants related to MUC5B and those experiencing early signs of lung injury.

Less likely to help

Patients with established lung fibrosis or those without the genetic predisposition related to MUC5B may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific molecule called MUC5B in making the lungs vulnerable to injury and how this vulnerability can lead to conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study aims to identify the mechanisms by which MUC5B affects lung cells and contributes to persistent lung damage and fibrosis. By examining the interactions between lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts, the research seeks to uncover the factors that trigger and exacerbate lung injury. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to prevent or treat lung conditions associated with MUC5B.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung fibrosis in patients at risk.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic factors in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.