How aging lungs increase a protein linked to lung cancer risk
Official title: Pulmonary aging increases MUC5AC in the airway epithelium, increasing the risk of carcinogenesis
Funded at Omaha VA Medical Center · NIH-11098509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects our lungs, especially a protein called MUC5AC, to understand why older adults are more likely to develop lung cancer, and it aims to find out how changes in our cells as we age might make our lungs more vulnerable to damage and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Omaha VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006049-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those with a history of lung health issues or concerns about lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any lung health concerns may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the aging process affects the lungs, particularly focusing on a protein called MUC5AC that is found in the airway epithelium. It aims to understand why older adults are at a higher risk for lung cancer, as over 70% of lung cancer cases occur in individuals aged 65 and older. The researchers will explore how cellular changes due to aging can lead to increased levels of MUC5AC, which may make the lungs more susceptible to damage and cancer. By studying both human samples and animal models, they hope to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for lung health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing lung cancer in older adults by targeting the mechanisms that increase MUC5AC levels.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on MUC5AC in aging lungs is relatively novel, previous research has shown that understanding cellular changes with age can lead to significant advancements in cancer prevention strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Omaha VA Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Kristina L — Omaha VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Kristina L
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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.