New stem cells that help repair lung damage in severe respiratory conditions
Official title: Novel intrinsic endothelial stem cells responsible for lung endothelial regeneration and vascular repair in ARDS
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11003769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special stem cells that help heal lung damage from serious breathing problems like ARDS, especially after infections, to find new ways to treat patients who are struggling with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $683,221 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172447-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, particularly those who have experienced sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those not experiencing acute lung injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique type of endothelial stem cell that plays a crucial role in repairing lung damage caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study focuses on understanding how these stem cells contribute to lung endothelial regeneration after injury, particularly following sepsis. By examining both animal models and human patients, the researchers aim to identify the specific characteristics and functions of these cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for ARDS. The approach involves detailed genetic analysis to uncover the mechanisms behind endothelial cell regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance lung repair and improve survival rates for patients suffering from ARDS.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of endothelial stem cells is a growing field, this specific focus on UC+ endothelial stem cells in the context of ARDS represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, You-Yang — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhao, You-Yang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care
A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.
-
Lipid-gene Profiles in Septic ARDS
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how dysfunctional HDL in sepsis relates to different ARDS patient outcomes, aiming to find features that could guide better treatment.
-
Improving blood vessel repair after pediatric ARDS
Aims to better repair the lungs of children who have ARDS by delivering targeted therapy to lung blood vessels using tiny nanoparticles.
-
NOX4 links to ARDS risk and progression
Aims to understand how NOX4-driven cell damage may make some adults with ARDS worse off and how this could lead to earlier, targeted care.
-
Leading causes of death in alcoholic ARDS patients using clinical data
This project uses big clinical data and AI to find the main factors that cause death in adults with ARDS who have alcohol use issues, aiming to improve understanding and care.
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Targeting aging-related blood vessel injury to prevent ARDS in older lungs
Aims to find ways to protect lung blood vessels in older adults to prevent dangerous lung swelling (ARDS).
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.