How wildfire pollution affects asthma through genetic factors
Official title: Transcriptional Responses to Wildfire Pollution in Airway Epithelial Cells Identify Genetic Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Asthma Exacerbations
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-10994627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in smoke from wildfires affects asthma symptoms by testing airway cells in the lab, and it's aimed at helping people with asthma understand why some may struggle more with pollution than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,528 |
| NIH project number | 5K08ES034820-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with asthma who experience exacerbations during wildfire events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without asthma or those who do not experience exacerbations related to air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to wildfire pollution impacts asthma symptoms by examining airway epithelial cells. The team will expose these cells to wood smoke particles and analyze their genetic responses using advanced sequencing techniques. By identifying specific genetic variants linked to asthma exacerbations, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that make some individuals more susceptible to worsening asthma due to air pollution. This work could lead to better understanding and management of asthma in polluted environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized strategies for preventing asthma exacerbations triggered by wildfire pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic factors in response to environmental pollutants can lead to significant advancements in asthma management.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Arnav — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Arnav
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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.