How genetic differences in airway cells may drive obstructive lung disease
Genetic variants that affect the airway epithelium to drive obstructive lung disease
The team is looking at how common gene differences in people’s airway cells change mucus and inflammation in those with or at risk for COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11337627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses airway cells taken from people to learn how genetic differences change cell types and mucus production in the lung lining. Researchers grow primary human airway epithelial cells from donors, genotype them, and perform bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing to see which genes are active. They expose airway cells to cigarette smoke conditions and search for expression and protein QTLs that overlap with known COPD risk regions. The work connects specific genetic variants to cell-level changes that could explain different COPD subtypes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with COPD or people who smoke and who can provide airway or nasal brushings or other respiratory samples would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without airway disease, those not willing to provide tissue samples, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify genetic subtypes of COPD and point to more targeted ways to reduce mucus and inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab work and small human-sample studies have shown that p53 variants alter mucus-producing cells, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tesfaigzi, Yohannes — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tesfaigzi, Yohannes
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.