Investigating how ZFHX4 affects lung development in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Official title: ZFHX4 sets alveolar fibroblast differentiation potential of mesenchymal progenitors in the fetal lung
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10987257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called ZFHX4 affects lung development in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), hoping to find ways to help improve lung growth and function for these little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,990 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD113887-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, particularly those showing signs of lung hypoplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital diaphragmatic hernia or those whose lung development is not affected by genetic factors related to ZFHX4 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the ZFHX4 gene in the development of the lungs in newborns, particularly those affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The study examines how disruptions in ZFHX4 can lead to issues in lung tissue formation and differentiation, which are critical for proper lung function. By using animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind lung hypoplasia, a condition that significantly impacts the health of affected infants. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving lung development in these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung hypoplasia in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors affecting lung development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Xingbin — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ai, Xingbin
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.