How lung support cells shape the air sacs and help gas-exchange cells mature
Role of alveolar fibroblasts in extracellular matrix organization and alveolar type 1 cell differentiation
Looking at how specific support cells in the lung organize the tissue and affect the cells that let oxygen into the blood, to help guide treatments for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in babies and for adult lung repair.
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-11146392 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses lab experiments and animal models to study alveolar fibroblasts, the support cells that help build and maintain the lung's air sacs. Researchers change a key gene called GATA6 in a subtype of fibroblasts and watch how that alters collagen structure and the attachment and maturation of the thin gas-exchange cells (AT1). They combine gene expression data with cell and tissue studies to map how fibroblasts switch between matrix-producing and lipid-producing states. The goal is to explain changes seen in premature infants with BPD and in adult lung injury that could point to future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is currently preclinical, but its findings are most directly relevant to premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and adults with alveolar lung injury or fibrosis who might benefit from future therapies.
Not a fit: People without alveolar or lung injury are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatment strategies that restore normal lung tissue structure and help premature infants with BPD and adults recover healthier alveoli.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that different fibroblast subtypes affect alveolar development and repair, but targeting GATA6 in PDGFRa+ fibroblasts is a newer approach supported so far by preliminary animal and cell-based data.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perl, Anne-Karina Theresia — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Perl, Anne-Karina Theresia
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.