Computational maps of how cells talk to each other in mucosal tissues
Official title: Computational methods to map the intercellular circuits governing complex tissues
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-11428886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use computer methods to understand how different cell types in mucosal tissues communicate and change in diseases like asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $464,032 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM166090-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with mucosal diseases (e.g., bronchial asthma, other airway or mucosal conditions) may benefit from future translational applications arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without mucosal diseases or those not contributing samples or data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced computer analyses of single-cell and spatial gene-expression data to map how epithelial and supporting cells interact in mucosal tissues (like airways and gut). It aims to identify rare cell types and the signaling networks that regulate tissue composition and response to threats. The goal is to reveal organizing principles of cell networks that could inform future therapies for mucosal diseases. The work builds on recent discoveries about ionocytes and tuft cells and expands the understanding to multiple mucosal sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide new targets and strategies to treat mucosal diseases such as asthma by modulating cellular networks and tissue composition.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies using scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics have identified novel cell types and signaling networks, with promising implications for therapy; this project aims to extend those insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haber, Adam — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Haber, Adam
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.