Investigating lung-like cells in zebrafish gills
Official title: A zebrafish gill model of mammalian lung endothelium
Funded at U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev · NIH-10713868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in zebrafish gills that are similar to those in human lungs to better understand how they help with breathing, which could lead to new insights for treating lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM150437-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10713868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of lung diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiopulmonary related conditions or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the unique endothelial cells in zebrafish gills that resemble those in mammalian lungs, focusing on their role in gas exchange. By utilizing zebrafish, which have transparent bodies, researchers can easily observe and manipulate these cells in real-time. The study aims to establish a detailed anatomical understanding of these cells and their development, which could provide insights into lung diseases in humans. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis to uncover the functions of these specialized cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into lung function and potential treatments for lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of zebrafish as a model for studying vertebrate biology is well-established, the specific focus on lung-like endothelial cells in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jong Sung — U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
- Study coordinator: Park, Jong Sung
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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.