How black carbon in the lungs affects aging and lung health
Official title: Impact of Macrophage Carbon Load and Epigenetic Aging on Lung Function Decline and Mortality
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11056001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny black carbon particles from air pollution affect lung health and aging, especially in people who have smoked, to help us understand how these particles might harm our lungs over time and find ways to keep them healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | March 14, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $712,649 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035421-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of smoking who have undergone multiple lung function tests and sputum collections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of smoking or those who have not participated in longitudinal lung function assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to black carbon particles from air pollution impacts lung function and aging. It focuses on understanding the relationship between the amount of black carbon deposited in the lungs and changes in lung health over time, particularly in individuals with a history of smoking. By analyzing sputum samples and lung function data from participants, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms linking black carbon exposure to lung aging and related diseases. The findings could help identify at-risk individuals and inform strategies for improving lung health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exposure to air pollution can negatively impact lung health, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leng, Shuguang — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Leng, Shuguang
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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.