# Molecular Regulation of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

> **NIH NIH R35** · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · 2023 · $847,538

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Our laboratory has been focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that regulate progressive
pulmonary fibrosis for over two decades. My contributions to the field of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis research
include using matrix hyaluronan as a model molecule to dissect the molecular mechanisms of progressive lung
fibrosis. We have identified the role of hyaluronan fragments in regulating lung inflammation. We discovered
that hyaluronan and hyaluronan receptors have roles in lung inflammation and in lung stem cell regeneration.
We discovered an invasive fibroblast phenotype in mice as well as in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis explants.
We are generally credited with expanding the notion that matrix is more than just glue and has a dynamic role
in regulating lung biology. One aspect of our work that I have been proud of is that we have published much of
our science in non-subspecialty journals of reasonable impact. This suggests that although we study the lung,
the concepts we have put forward have been deemed of interest to a broader audience. The goals of this R35
application are to identify the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that lead to unremitting fibrosis. Specifically,
we propose in this R35 to identify mechanisms for AEC2 failed regenerative capacity in mouse and man, to
identify mechanisms for mesenchymal expansion in mice with impaired AEC2 renewal capacity, to identify the
mechanisms by which beta-arrestin1 and CD44 regulate the invasive fibroblast phenotype, and to identify
mechanisms by which the invasive fibroblast impairs AEC2 cell renewal. Augmenting scientific knowledge in
understanding the underlying mechanisms and the mode of actions of these interactions in lung fibrosis could
significantly aid therapeutic development for patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis. My belief is that we
need a drug that promotes alveolar progenitor cells renewal and a drug that targets pathogenic fibroblasts such
as invasive fibroblasts. The studies that we propose in this R35 application may suggest new leads for
therapeutic intervention we are not yet aware of and we want to have the freedom to pursue them.
Furthermore, the benefit of longer-term funding of this award allows me to train the next generation of
scientists as I have done during my time at Duke University as well as currently here at Cedars.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10579263
- **Project number:** 5R35HL150829-04
- **Recipient organization:** CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Paul Wesley Noble
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $847,538
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10579263

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10579263, Molecular Regulation of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (5R35HL150829-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10579263. Licensed CC0.

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