How small airways affect mucus transport in the lungs
Official title: Contribution of Small Airways to Mucociliary Transport Dysfunction
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11011347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how small airways in the lungs help move mucus, which is important for keeping our lungs healthy, especially for people with conditions like cystic fibrosis and asthma, to find better ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $660,379 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167025-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, asthma, or other airway diseases that may involve mucociliary dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those without any airway disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small airways in the lungs and how they contribute to mucociliary transport dysfunction, which is a critical defense mechanism against respiratory infections. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind mucus transport in both healthy and diseased states, particularly in conditions like cystic fibrosis and asthma. By examining the interactions between mucus and airway structures, the research seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to improved treatments for airway diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with airway diseases, improving their lung function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of large airways in mucociliary transport has been studied, the specific focus on small airways in relation to airway diseases is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abou Alaiwa, Mahmoud — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Abou Alaiwa, Mahmoud
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.