Investigating a new type of cell in the human airway
Official title: Functional interrogation of a novel SCGB3A2+/SFTPB+ cell in the human airway
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11065460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of cell in the lungs called Fetal Airway Secretory (FAS) cells to learn how they develop and what they do, which could help us understand lung health better and find new ways to treat lung conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,946 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166139-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting the airway or those interested in lung health, particularly related to developmental biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established lung diseases that do not involve airway development or differentiation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a newly identified cell population in the human lung known as Fetal Airway Secretory (FAS) cells, which have a unique gene expression profile. The study aims to understand how these cells differentiate and their potential roles in the airway. Using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing and in vitro models, researchers will explore the signaling pathways that regulate these cells and their contributions to lung development. This could provide insights into airway biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for respiratory conditions by enhancing our understanding of airway cell development and function.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of FAS cells is novel, similar approaches in studying airway biology have shown promise in understanding lung development and diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spence, Jason — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Spence, Jason
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.