Understanding how the tissue environment controls scarring and fibrosis in infections
Official title: Elucidating the epigenetic regulation of extracellular matrix and virus-induced fibroblast activation
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11373526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the surrounding tissue matrix and virus- or bacteria-related inflammation can cause fibroblasts to stay active and contribute to fibrosis, which can harm organs after infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM148819-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for fibrotic organ damage due to infection or tissue injury could benefit from future therapies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without fibrotic or scarring conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will explore how the extracellular matrix influences fibroblast activation at the epigenetic level, especially during infection-related tissue damage. They will look at chromatin changes and gene regulation that keep fibroblasts in a fibrotic state even after the initial injury is gone. The work uses human-relevant models and cutting-edge sequencing to map how epigenetic memory of fibroblasts forms and persists. The goal is to identify molecular targets that could prevent or reverse fibrosis in infected tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding and identifying targets to prevent or reverse fibrosis could improve outcomes for patients with organ damage from infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests that epigenetic memory in fibroblasts contributes to persistent fibrosis, but specifics in infection-related contexts are still being investigated.
Where this research is happening
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Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardiner, Jaye C — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Gardiner, Jaye C
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.