$11M Goes to Study Genetics of IPF in Families

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease that causes scarring in the lungs and serious shortness of breath.

While there is currently no known cure for IPF, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms.

A research group at the Lulu Owen School of Medicine based at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), has received an $11 million grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to continue studying specific genes that have been found in family members with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

In partnership with the University of Chicago, the research group is using genetic material from more than 1,200 families with IPF and hopes to continue its investigation into genetic mutations and how genes affect both sporadic (once in a family) and familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (more than once case in a family).

Between 10% and 20% of people with IPF have at least one family member who also has the disease.

Read more about the Lulu Owen School of Medicine’s research projects in IPF here.

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