Exploring Lrig1+ cells in vocal cords to improve voice health
Understanding Lrig1+ in vocal fold epithelium and organoid biology
This project aims to understand specific cells in your vocal cords to help us better treat common voice problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124879 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Voice problems are common and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Many of these issues stem from inflammatory lesions in the vocal cords, which disrupt the normal balance of the vocal cord lining. Researchers believe that special 'stem cells,' specifically Lrig1+ cells, within this lining play a key role in these changes. This work will thoroughly examine these Lrig1+ cells, observing how they renew and differentiate under normal conditions and when exposed to stress like injury or mechanical strain. Additionally, the team will grow miniature vocal cord tissues, called organoids, in the lab to uncover the molecular reasons behind abnormal changes seen in benign inflammatory vocal cord lesions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic science project is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand the underlying biology of voice disorders that affect adults.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for existing voice disorders will not directly benefit from this fundamental laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational understanding could lead to new and more effective treatments for common voice disorders caused by inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of Lrig1+ cells in vocal folds is a novel area of focus, similar stem cell research in other body tissues has shown promise in understanding tissue repair and disease processes.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thibeault, Susan Lynn — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Thibeault, Susan Lynn
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.