Investigating how ozone exposure affects mucus production in the airways
Official title: Pathogenesis of mucous cell metaplasia in ozone-exposed airways
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11000656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in higher levels of ozone can cause more mucus to build up in the airways, especially in kids and older adults, and aims to find ways to help people with breathing problems caused by too much mucus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | January 6, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,484 |
| NIH project number | 7R21ES034509-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and elderly individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without respiratory conditions or those living in areas with low ozone exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to elevated levels of ozone can lead to increased mucus production in the airways, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The study examines the mechanisms behind mucous cell metaplasia (MCM), a condition where airway cells change and produce excess mucus, worsening respiratory symptoms. By using animal models, researchers will explore how repeated ozone exposure impacts lung function and mucus production, aiming to identify potential therapeutic strategies for those suffering from muco-obstructive airway diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with respiratory conditions exacerbated by air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the effects of environmental pollutants like ozone can lead to significant advancements in treating respiratory diseases, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saini, Yogesh — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Saini, Yogesh
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.