Molecular Targets in Endovascular Progenitors to Inhibit Lung and Skin Fibrosis in Scleroderma
Abstract
Scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis are devastating diseases where scarring of the skin and lung severely compromises health and quality of life. For decades, scarring was thought to result from the activity of a special type of cell that is present across the body, the fibroblast. This project is based on the recent discovery that some fibroblasts and cells that form blood vessels may share a common stem cell. This work will examine the groundbreaking concept of the role of blood vessel-derived stem cells in the scarring process in the scleroderma skin and lung. Identification of the role of these stem cells in scleroderma will allow us to further understand the molecular mechanisms that drive the fate decision between a blood vessel cell and a fibroblast that will lead to scarring. This work will examine specific molecular targets that drive the process of stem cell to fibroblast transition. Additionally, this project has devised innovative therapies based on this paradigm-shifting concept and will design and evaluate these new treatments to reduce lung and skin scarring. This highly innovative concept promises to advance our understanding of scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis and open a new era of investigation of these life-threatening conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010100
Entities
People
- Kiarash Khosrotehrani
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Queensland