FGF signals that guide formation and maturation of lung air sacs
Regulation of primary and secondary alveologenesis by FGF signaling pathways
This work looks at whether FGF signals control how tiny air sacs form and mature, with the goal of helping infants who have bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how FGF signaling affects the two stages of alveolar development that create and thin lung air sacs. They will use laboratory models, including mice and isolated lung cells, to modify FGF signals and observe effects on myofibroblasts, blood vessels, and the cells that line the air sacs. Molecular tools such as ATAC-seq will be used to map changes in gene activity in different cell types during alveologenesis. The aim is to find molecular switches that could be targeted to restore healthy lung structure in babies born prematurely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Infants born prematurely with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or their parents would be the most likely candidates for therapies arising from this research.
Not a fit: People with adult-onset lung diseases unrelated to impaired alveolar development are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments to promote lung growth and improve breathing outcomes for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies targeting growth-factor pathways have improved alveolar development in lab models, but translating these findings into proven human therapies remains unestablished.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ornitz, David M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ornitz, David M
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.