Understanding How Smoking Causes Different Types of Lung Damage

Distinct and Overlapping Pathways of Fibrosis and Emphysema in Cigarette Smokers

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11177656

This research helps us understand why cigarette smoking can lead to different serious lung conditions like emphysema or lung scarring.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11177656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our team of experts is working to uncover the specific ways cigarette smoke harms the lungs, leading to either emphysema or a scarring condition called fibrosis. We use different approaches, including studying cells in the lab and using animal models to see how these diseases develop. We also look at human lung tissues and cells to find new clues about the genetic and biological changes that happen. This combined effort helps us get a clearer picture of these complex lung diseases, bringing together basic, translational, and clinical researchers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the mechanisms of lung disease caused by smoking, particularly those with or at risk for emphysema or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic and translational science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat lung diseases caused by smoking, offering hope for better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon several years of successful prior funding, integrating expertise from various fields to tackle this complex challenge.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-09 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.