3D AI map of how genetic lung disease affects children's lungs
A mechanistic 3D AI-powered map of genetic chILD
Using advanced imaging, genetics, and AI, this project will create a detailed 3D picture of lung development in young children and how genetic changes lead to childhood interstitial lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will compare developing air sacs (acini and alveoli) from children with chILD to those from healthy childhood lungs to see what goes wrong. They will use high-resolution confocal and electron microscopy, single-cell and spatial multiomics, patient-derived stem cells (iPSCs), and AI-powered bioinformatics to link gene variants to specific cell types and 3D structures. The work is done by a LungMAP3 consortium with a data coordinating center and tissue core to combine samples and analyses across centers. Results and interactive atlases will be shared online so doctors and researchers can use the maps to guide future studies and therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children with suspected or confirmed childhood interstitial lung disease and families willing to provide clinical data and biospecimens (blood, tissue, or consent for iPSC derivation).
Not a fit: Healthy children without lung disease or patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this mapping project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the maps could reveal the genetic and cellular causes of chILD and point to new diagnostic markers or targets for treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier LungMAP phases produced useful lung atlases and tools, but applying multiomics, 3D imaging, and AI specifically to genetic chILD is a newer and less-tested extension.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yan — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yan
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.