Airway stem cells' inflammatory 'memory' that causes excess mucus in asthma
Epigenetic mechanisms of inflammatory memory propagation in human airway epithelia
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11261203
This project looks at how airway stem cells store inflammatory 'memories' that make people with asthma or chronic bronchitis produce too much mucus.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261203 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study human airway basal stem cells to see how exposure to the immune signal IL-13 causes long-lasting epigenetic changes that persist as the airway lining renews. They will compare cells from large and small airways and identify the specific molecular marks and pathways that lead basal cells to produce mucus-secreting goblet cells. The team will use human airway samples and laboratory experiments to test whether these memory marks can be reversed or blocked, with the goal of stopping chronic mucus overproduction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with asthma or chronic bronchitis who are willing to provide airway samples (for example, nasal or bronchial brushings, sputum) and share clinical history of airway inflammation.
Not a fit: People whose breathing problems are not driven by type 2 airway inflammation (for example non-eosinophilic asthma or some COPD cases) or those unable or unwilling to provide airway samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or reverse the persistent mucus-producing changes that worsen asthma and chronic bronchitis, reducing flares and improving breathing and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports that cytokines like IL-13 can reprogram airway cells and that epithelial 'memory' exists, but applying these insights to prevent chronic goblet cell changes is still a relatively new and early area of work.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEZZULO, ALEJANDRO ANTONIO — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: PEZZULO, ALEJANDRO ANTONIO
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.
Conditions: Airway Disease