Investigating a newly discovered airway structure and its link to lung health
Official title: The Hillock: A Newly Discovered Airway Epithelial Structure and its Relationship with Squamous Metaplasia
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10917055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new part of the airway called the hillock to see how it helps protect our lungs and if it’s connected to issues like lung cancer, especially when exposed to things like tobacco smoke, so we can learn more about keeping our lungs healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,918 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL165736-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of airway injury or lung conditions, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of airway issues or those who do not meet the age requirement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a newly identified structure in the airway called the hillock, which has been found in both mice and humans. The study aims to understand the function of hillocks, particularly their role in protecting the airway from injury and their potential link to conditions like squamous metaplasia and lung cancer. Researchers will examine how these structures behave under various conditions, including exposure to harmful substances like tobacco smoke. By studying the hillock's characteristics and its stem cell properties, the research seeks to uncover new insights into lung health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of airway structures is established, the specific investigation of the hillock is novel and has not been extensively studied in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chernoff, Chaim Zev — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Chernoff, Chaim Zev
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.