MYRF and the lung's outer lining: how it grows and heals
MYRF as an Entry Point to Study Mesothelium Function in Lung Development and Injury Repair
Researchers are looking at how the MYRF gene affects the lung's outer lining to help people with birth-related lung problems and lung injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252282 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the mesothelium, the thin outer layer that covers the lungs, and the role of the MYRF gene in how lungs form and repair after damage. Scientists will use mouse models where MYRF is turned off in specific cell types to see how that causes birth defects like congenital diaphragmatic hernia and later-life lung scarring. They will compare those animal findings to human genetic data that links MYRF variants to lung and diaphragm problems and study lung injury models that mimic scarring. The work combines genetics, cell-level observations, and injury experiments to map how mesothelial cells help the lung develop and recover.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patients or family members), people with asbestos-related mesothelioma history, or adults with lung fibrosis may be able to contribute samples or genetic information.
Not a fit: People without lung disease, no relevant MYRF genetic findings, or no interest in providing samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to diagnose, prevent, or treat congenital diaphragm defects and lung scarring disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies have linked MYRF changes to diaphragm and lung problems and to scarring after injury, so the approach builds on promising but still early preclinical results.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Xin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sun, Xin
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 below.