Blocking FGF receptors to reduce lung inflammation and improve mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis
Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors in cystic fibrosis-associated airway inflammation and mucociliary dysfunction
The team is testing whether blocking FGF receptors can lower airway inflammation and help clear mucus in people with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258974 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a signaling pathway (FGF/FGFR) that may drive inflammation and poor mucus clearance in CF lungs. Researchers will use airway cells taken from people with different CF genotypes grown at an air–liquid interface in the lab to see how FGFR blockers affect inflammation and mucociliary function. They will also use animal models of chronic airway infection to study effects in a whole-lung setting. The aim is to find approaches that could help people with CF who still have chronic inflammation and recurrent infections despite current therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cystic fibrosis (including multiple CFTR genotypes) who struggle with chronic airway inflammation, persistent mucus problems, or recurrent lung infections would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without cystic fibrosis or those whose lung disease is already well-controlled by CFTR modulator therapy may not see direct benefit from this early preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that reduce lung inflammation, improve mucus clearance, and lower infections for people with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked FGF signaling to CF lung disease, but using FGFR inhibitors to improve mucus clearance and inflammation is a relatively new approach mainly tested so far in lab and animal models.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krick, Stefanie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Krick, Stefanie
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.