How lung cells fix the tiny air sacs (alveoli)
Defining the cellular dynamics that orchestrate alveolar epithelial cell repair behaviors in live mammal
This project watches how lung stem and progenitor cells change and move to repair damaged air sacs so researchers can find signals that might boost healing for people with lung injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a permanent imaging window in living mammals to watch individual intermediate progenitor cells appear, move, and become mature alveolar cells over time. They will pair single-cell gene expression (scRNA-seq) and chromatin-accessibility (scATAC-seq) profiling with advanced computational and machine-learning analysis to map cell states and trajectories. Experiments use fluorescent reporter animals and complementary lung-injury models to link observed cell behaviors to specific genes and regulatory changes. The combined approach aims to define the cellular programs and regulatory signals that drive effective alveolar repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although the project uses animal models and does not enroll people, its findings would be most relevant to patients with alveolar damage from ARDS, severe pneumonia, or pulmonary fibrosis.
Not a fit: People whose illnesses do not involve alveolar damage—such as isolated upper-airway disorders or non-respiratory conditions—are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets or cell behaviors that lead to new therapies to improve lung repair after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell and live-imaging work has identified intermediate lung progenitors and candidate genes, but converting those discoveries into proven patient treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chioccioli, Maurizio — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Chioccioli, Maurizio
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.