How CFTR and insulin signaling affect airway lining and sugar handling in cystic fibrosis lungs
Mechanisms linking CFTR to dysregulated barrier function, insulin receptor function, and glucose transport in the CF lung
This project looks at how faulty CFTR and abnormal insulin signals change the lung lining and glucose movement in people with cystic fibrosis and CF-related diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258928 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study airway cells from people with and without cystic fibrosis to see how CFTR defects alter tight junctions and glucose transport on the airway surface. Lab-grown airway epithelial cells will be exposed to insulin and tested for barrier strength, glucose flux, and which signaling pathways are activated. The team will compare how non-CF cells use metabolic insulin signaling to protect the barrier while CF cells favor mitogenic signaling that weakens it. Findings will be used to pinpoint molecular steps that could be targeted to preserve airway barrier function and reduce infection risk in CF, especially when CFRD is present.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cystic fibrosis, including those with or at risk for CF-related diabetes, could be relevant participants or future beneficiaries, especially if they can provide airway samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People without cystic fibrosis or whose lung problems are unrelated to airway glucose or CFTR dysfunction would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect the airway lining and improve lung health in people with CF, particularly those with CF-related diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown defects in airway glucose handling and different insulin responses in CF versus non-CF cells, but translating these findings into clinical treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarty, Nael a — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mccarty, Nael a
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.