Investigating how airway cells respond to beryllium exposure in lung disease
Official title: The Role of Airway Epithelial Complement in Chronic Beryllium Disease
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-10871189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around beryllium, a metal found in some workplaces, can cause lung problems like Chronic Beryllium Disease, and it will compare the genes of people with this condition to those who are healthy to better understand how the body reacts and gets inflamed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $470,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036375-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to beryllium and are experiencing symptoms of beryllium sensitization or Chronic Beryllium Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to beryllium or do not have any related respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to beryllium, a metal used in various industries, can lead to chronic lung diseases like Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). The study will analyze gene expression in nasal and bronchial cells from individuals with beryllium sensitization and CBD, comparing them to healthy individuals. By examining the immune response and specific gene pathways related to complement activation, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by beryllium exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of Chronic Beryllium Disease, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on airway epithelial complement in CBD is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in other lung diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Li — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Li, Li
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.