How mechanical and molecular signals shape the tiny air sacs in the lungs
INTEGRATION OF MECHANICAL AND MOLECULAR CUES DURING DISTAL LUNG DEVELOPMENT
['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11251240
This work looks at how physical stretch and chemical signals help lung cells form and repair the tiny air sacs in developing and adult lungs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251240 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will hear about research that focuses on the two main cell types that line the lung’s air sacs (AT1 and AT2) and how they come from common progenitor cells. The team will study a cell property called membrane tension and how it interacts with growth-factor signals like FGF to time when cells change into mature air‑sac cells. They will use lab-grown cells, tissue models, and comparisons between developing and adult regenerating lung tissue to test these ideas. The goal is to learn whether the same mechanical rules that control development also reappear during adult lung repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alveolar lung problems (for example, people with pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, or those able to donate lung tissue) would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without alveolar lung conditions or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to help the lung repair itself after injury or disease by targeting mechanical or growth-factor pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies showed membrane tension can block differentiation in stem cells, but applying this mechanism to lung development and adult regeneration is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BROWNFIELD, DOUGLAS GLENN — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: BROWNFIELD, DOUGLAS GLENN
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.