Exploring the role and diversity of specific lung cells that communicate with the brain.
Official title: Identifying and characterizing human pulmonary neuroendocrine stem cells and their diversity
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11192953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special lung cells that help control breathing and how they behave in healthy and sick lungs, which could help us understand conditions like asthma and improve treatments for lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $752,555 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL172049-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, particularly children and young adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those who do not have any lung-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs), which are specialized cells in the lungs that send signals to the brain and play a role in respiratory function. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and 3D imaging, the study aims to map the different types of PNECs and understand their functions in both healthy and diseased lungs. The research will also explore how these cells respond to lung injuries and their potential role in conditions like asthma and other lung diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these cells contribute to respiratory health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for respiratory diseases by targeting the specific functions of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of neuroendocrine cells in lung diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Christin Sucheng — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Christin Sucheng
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.