Investigating how mucus functions in the lungs during health and disease
Multi-Scale Investigations of Respiratory Mucus/Mucin Structure and Function in Health and Disease
This study is looking at how mucus helps keep our lungs healthy and how it works differently in people with asthma and COPD, with the goal of finding better treatments for those who struggle with mucus buildup in their lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11113018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the mucus clearance system, which is crucial for protecting the lungs from infections and toxins. It aims to fill knowledge gaps about how mucus works in both healthy individuals and those with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. The research involves studying the structure of mucins, the proteins that make up mucus, and how they interact with other substances in the lungs. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop better treatments for respiratory conditions characterized by mucus buildup.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with acute respiratory infections or those without chronic lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for chronic respiratory diseases, enhancing lung health and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding mucus function and its role in respiratory diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boucher, Richard Charles — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Boucher, Richard Charles
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 below.