Understanding how silica dust affects lung healing and fibrosis
Official title: Mechanisms of Impaired Epithelial Regeneration and Fibrosis After Silica Dust Inhalation
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11127986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to silica and asbestos affects the healing of lung cells, which could help us find new ways to improve recovery for people with lung diseases like silicosis and asbestosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,627 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES035710-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with silicosis or asbestosis, particularly those experiencing respiratory issues due to these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung diseases unrelated to silica or asbestos exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind lung diseases caused by silica and asbestos exposure, specifically focusing on how these substances impair the regeneration of lung epithelial cells. By studying the behavior of alveolar type 2 epithelial cells (AEC2s) in mouse models, the research aims to uncover why these cells fail to properly differentiate and heal after injury, leading to chronic lung fibrosis. The approach includes analyzing the transitional state of AEC2s and their role in the progression of diseases like silicosis and asbestosis. Patients may benefit from insights gained into potential therapeutic targets for improving lung regeneration and reducing fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung healing and reduce fibrosis in patients exposed to silica and asbestos.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lung regeneration mechanisms, but this specific focus on silica and asbestos-related fibrosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zemans, Rachel Lynne — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zemans, Rachel Lynne
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.