Understanding the harmful cells that cause lung scarring

Cellular and molecular delineation of pathologic fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11088854

This research aims to understand the specific cells that cause scarring in the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11088854 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung disease where healthy lung tissue is replaced by harmful scar tissue, making it hard to breathe. This project focuses on understanding specific cells, called fibroblasts, that are responsible for creating this excessive scarring. Researchers are using advanced methods to identify and study these problematic cells in both human and mouse lung samples. They have already found a particular type of fibroblast, called Cthrc1, that appears to be very active in the scarring process. By learning more about these specific cells, we hope to find new ways to prevent or reverse lung scarring.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with pulmonary fibrosis by improving our understanding of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary fibrosis would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the cells causing lung scarring, potentially slowing or stopping the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon prior successful research that identified specific fibroblast types involved in lung scarring, using novel tools developed by the researchers.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.