How Hedgehog signals control lung cell development and disease
Hedgehog Signaling as a regulator of progenitor differentiation for organ maintenance and disease
Researchers will look at whether changes in Hedgehog signaling change when lung cells mature and if those changes are linked to COPD and IPF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses computer analysis of existing single-cell data from mouse and human lungs to see how Hedgehog signaling affects the timing of cell differentiation. First, the team will compare mouse datasets with increased or decreased Hedgehog activity to map timing changes in development. Next, they will identify and track Hedgehog-responsive cells in fetal and adult human lungs to find differences in timing control. Finally, they will compare cells from COPD and IPF samples to find disease-linked Hedgehog target genes that could guide future lab or clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with COPD or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or people who have donated lung tissue or agreed to share lung-derived single-cell data, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without COPD or IPF, or anyone needing immediate treatment, are unlikely to receive direct or immediate clinical benefit from this computational project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new molecular targets or markers related to Hedgehog signaling that help guide future therapies or diagnostics for COPD and IPF.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell studies have revealed important cell changes in lung disease before, but using Hedgehog as a timing 'switch' in human lung disease is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xinan Holly — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xinan Holly
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.