How lung progenitor cells help repair the air sacs after injury
Defining PRC2 complex epigenomic control in alveolar progenitor cells
This work looks at how a molecular switch called PRC2 controls lung progenitor cells that may help adults recover breathing ability after ARDS or acute lung injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers want to understand how PRC2, an epigenetic complex, controls alveolar progenitor cells that repair the tiny air sacs in the lung. They will use laboratory experiments, genetic and epigenomic tools such as ATAC-seq, and studies in mouse models alongside analysis of human lung samples to map changes after injury. By tracking gene regulation and chromatin state in these cells, the team aims to identify pathways that could be targeted to boost tissue repair and reduce scarring. The project focuses on adult acute lung injury and ARDS, with the goal of informing future regenerative therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21+) who have had ARDS or acute lung injury, or who can donate lung tissue or biological samples, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without alveolar injury, children under 21, or those with chronic lung conditions unrelated to alveolar damage may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that help lungs heal faster and reduce long-term scarring after ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and laboratory studies have shown progenitor cells can drive lung repair, but targeting PRC2 and applying these findings to human ARDS is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zacharias, William John — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Zacharias, William John
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.