Investigating how pH regulation affects lung disease in cystic fibrosis

Role of disrupted ASL pH regulation in small airways in CF lung disease pathogenesis

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-10876461

This study is looking at how changes in pH in the small airways affect lung health in people with cystic fibrosis, using a pig model that acts like human CF, and it will test if delivering a gene can help improve lung function and fight infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876461 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of disrupted pH regulation in the small airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Using a specially engineered pig model that mimics human CF, the study aims to explore how the loss of a specific protein (CFTR) affects the lung's ability to defend against infections. The researchers will deliver a corrective gene using a viral vector to see if it can restore normal function in the small airways. This approach could provide insights into the early stages of CF lung disease and potential therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, particularly those experiencing lung complications.

Not a fit: Patients without cystic fibrosis or those with advanced lung disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve lung function and reduce infections in cystic fibrosis patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using animal models to study CF is established, the specific use of AAV4 for gene delivery in small airways is a novel and untested strategy.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial InfectionsCF lung disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.