Lung-targeted gene delivery using tiny delivery particles
Official title: Bioengineering modular gene delivery system towards lung-targeted transgene expression
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11381647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new gene-delivery approach uses special nanoparticles to reach and treat lung tissue through the bloodstream, potentially helping people with conditions like AAT deficiency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $426,550 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL179581-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with monogenic lung conditions such as AAT deficiency or related pulmonary diseases who might benefit from targeted gene therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a lung-targeted gene therapy indication or those with conditions not addressed by this delivery approach.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing a targeted, non-viral gene delivery system that travels through the blood and releases genetic material specifically in the lungs. It focuses on nanoparticles that can detach from carriers in lung capillaries to improve delivery while minimizing effects elsewhere. The work builds on prior bioengineering of organ-targeted particles and will test and refine how well these systems reach diseased lung tissue. The aim is to overcome barriers from circulation to the lung to enable a potential one-step treatment for monogenic lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this system could enable safer and more effective gene therapies for lung diseases by delivering genes directly to the lungs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows promise for organ-targeted nanoparticles, but achieving reliable lung-specific delivery remains challenging and is being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jayoung — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jayoung
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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.