Creating stem cells to understand and treat lung diseases
Official title: Developing Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Lung Disease
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11046597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to treat genetic lung diseases by using special stem cells and gene editing, so that patients can eventually have treatments that tackle the actual causes of their conditions instead of just easing the symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,565,613 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL170952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with genetic lung diseases affecting the airway and alveoli.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic lung diseases or those whose conditions do not involve the airway or alveolar structures may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced stem cell biology and gene editing techniques to develop new treatments for genetic lung diseases. By creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that carry specific genetic mutations, researchers aim to model these diseases and explore potential therapies. The project will utilize human organoid models to better understand lung function and disease mechanisms, ultimately translating these findings into clinical applications. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments that address the root causes of their lung conditions rather than just managing symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking therapies that effectively treat genetic lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell and gene editing approaches for treating various genetic conditions, indicating potential success for this novel application in lung diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotton, Darrell N. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Kotton, Darrell N.
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.