Understanding the early stages and progression of pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Project 4: Defining the Molecular Natural History of Early and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10846188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pulmonary fibrosis develops by examining tissue samples from people at risk for the condition, with the goal of finding new ways to diagnose and treat it better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $554,851 |
| NIH project number | 1P01HL172729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for familial pulmonary fibrosis or have early signs of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced pulmonary fibrosis or those not at risk for familial pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind pulmonary fibrosis (PF) using advanced techniques like single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. By analyzing biopsy samples from individuals at risk for familial pulmonary fibrosis, the study aims to identify new cell types and understand how the disease develops over time. Patients will be involved in providing tissue samples, which will help researchers pinpoint when and how cellular changes occur in the disease process. This approach could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing PF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar molecular techniques has shown promise in understanding other fibrotic diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banovich, Nicholas Eli — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Banovich, Nicholas Eli
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
p53 acetylation and alveolar stem cell aging in progressive lung fibrosis
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Support-T: a mobile tool to help people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers get palliative care and planning
A mobile app called SUPPORT-T helps people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers access palliative care and plan for the future.
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Defining how early pulmonary fibrosis develops at the molecular level
Researchers are studying early stages of pulmonary fibrosis at the molecule-by-molecule level to understand how the disease starts and progresses in people.
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How lung cells change in early and worsening pulmonary fibrosis
Researchers will map how specific lung cells and their local neighborhoods change over time in people at risk for or with pulmonary fibrosis using advanced tissue-based gene mapping.
-
The effects of air pollution on progressive pulmonary fibrosis
This study is looking at how air pollution, especially tiny particles and nitrogen dioxide, might lead to a serious lung condition called progressive pulmonary fibrosis, particularly in people living in areas that are more vulnerable to pollution.
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.