Using patients' own stem cells to understand and reverse early pulmonary fibrosis
Patient-specific iPSCs to model and treat the inception of pulmonary fibrosis
['FUNDING_P01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11309146
This project makes lung cells from adults' own tissue to find ways to stop or reverse early-stage pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309146 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers take cells from adults with pulmonary fibrosis and convert them into the lung cells (AT2 cells) that help repair the air sacs. They look at how problems with cell energy and mitochondria, low adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and exposures like cigarette smoke make these lung cells act in a scarring-promoting way. The team then tests whether those problems can be corrected and whether fixing the cells reverses signs of early fibrosis. Work is done with patient-derived cells in the lab, with the goal of pointing to treatments that could help people in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (21+) with early-stage idiopathic or familial pulmonary fibrosis or adults willing to donate blood or skin cells to make patient-specific lung cells.
Not a fit: People with very advanced, end-stage lung disease or children under 21 are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-based modeling work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that stop early lung scarring or restore healthy repair function in people with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work using patient-derived iPSC lung cells has reproduced disease-like changes, but translating those findings into proven treatments for patients is still new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALYSANDRATOS, KONSTANTINOS — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: ALYSANDRATOS, KONSTANTINOS
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 below.