Exploring the role and diversity of specific lung cells that communicate with the brain.

Identifying and characterizing human pulmonary neuroendocrine stem cells and their diversity

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11192953

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11192953 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, particularly children and young adults.

Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those who do not have any lung-related issues may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.