How mucus proteins affect lung health and breathing
Role of mucin in lung homeostasis and pathophysiology
This work looks at two key mucus proteins, MUC5AC and MUC5B, to understand how they cause airway blockage and breathing problems for people with asthma, COPD, and related lung conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11358288 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study the two major mucus proteins, MUC5AC and MUC5B, to learn how they form large mucus gels that can help clear airways or, when excessive, block them. The team uses genetically modified mice that lack one or the other protein to observe how mucus assembly and disulfide bonds control clearance and plugging. Findings so far show MUC5B helps normal clearance while excess MUC5AC promotes mucus plugging and airway overreaction in asthma models. By mapping how these proteins link together, the group hopes to identify targets that could prevent harmful mucus while preserving airway defenses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mucus-related lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectasis, or pulmonary fibrosis would be the populations most likely to benefit from therapies inspired by this work.
Not a fit: Patients without airway mucus problems or those with non-respiratory diseases would be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce mucus plugging and improve breathing in asthma, COPD, and other mucus-related lung diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies have shown that breaking certain chemical bonds in mucins can reverse airway hyperreactivity and improve clearance in animal models, but human treatments remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Christopher M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Evans, Christopher M
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.