Disease Focus: Lung Disease, Fibrosis
Ex vivo fate mapping of human lung stem cell plasticity in fibrotic disease
Research Objective This proposal will design new models to study behavior that is specific to human lung stem cells, and screen for drugs that can target abnormal stem cells in fibrotic disease. Impact This study will generate potential new therapeutic approaches to fibrotic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Major Proposed Activities Development of […]
Modulation of human alveolar stem cells to promote lung regeneration and avoid pulmonary fibrosis
Research Objective Understanding regulators of human alveolar lung stem cell function will promote more normal lung regeneration after injury and avoid the nearly untreatable problem of advanced pulmonary fibrosis. Impact Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and other chronic fibrotic lung disorders. Major Proposed Activities Modify human fibroblasts to create a supporting […]
Pharmacological regenerative treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis targeting the senescent niche of lung progenitor cells.
Research Objective Novel selective pharmacological strategy targeting senescent lung stem cells Impact Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis along with other interstitial and age-related lung diseases Major Proposed Activities Chracterize senescence cells, including senescent stem and progenitor cells in the lung of patients affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Screening of a Rubedo Life Science library of senolytic small […]
Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles as therapy for pulmonary fibrosis
Research Objective We propose to develop mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EV) as treatment for lung fibrosis Impact MSC-EV are promising for several lung diseases, but we need to better understand how they work, where they go in the body, and whether there is a subset of MSC-EV with better efficacy Major Proposed Activities […]
Telomerase mRNA for short telomere related pulmonary fibrosis
Translational Candidate Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) encapsulated in a lung-targeting lipid nanoparticle delivered intravenously. Area of Impact 1) Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 2) Other diseases and conditions caused or exacerbated by short telomeres. Mechanism of Action TERT mRNA LNPs transiently extend the telomeres of the alveolar epithelial cells of the lung, […]