Airway secretory cells in lung health and COPD
Molecular Analysis of Airway Secretory Cells in Health and Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-11290842
This project will look at how a mucus protein called MUC5B changes airway secretory (club) cells and how that might affect people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290842 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models and lab-grown miniature lung tissues (organoids) to see whether MUC5B stops club cells from turning into alveolar type II cells that help repair the lung. They will genetically label club cells to follow their fate and compare cells that make MUC5B with those that do not. Experiments will examine normal and COPD-like mouse lungs to understand why small airways make too much mucus and why alveolar tissue is lost. The goal is to reveal cell-level mechanisms that could guide future treatments for small airway disease and emphysema.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with COPD, especially those with small airway disease, excessive mucus production, or early emphysema, would be most likely to benefit from findings or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose breathing problems come from non-COPD causes or those with very advanced, end-stage lung disease unlikely to respond to regeneration strategies may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to boost lung repair and reduce mucus-related damage in COPD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies suggest mucus proteins influence airway cells, but the specific link between MUC5B and impaired club-cell–driven alveolar repair is relatively new and not yet tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES
- RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP — COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HU, YAN — RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP
- Study coordinator: HU, 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.