Targeting age-related cell changes in cystic fibrosis lungs
Epigenetic Modulation of Cellular Senescence in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Researchers will test whether changing epigenetic signals can reduce harmful aging-like changes in lung cells of people with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on the chronic inflammation in CF that appears to speed up cellular aging in the lungs and worsen disease. Scientists will study airway cells from people with CF and laboratory models to map gene-regulating regions and chromatin accessibility using techniques like ATAC-seq, and to examine the roles of AP-1 and the epigenetic reader BRD4. They will test approaches that alter those epigenetic signals to see if cell function such as mucociliary clearance can be improved. The project aims to translate those molecular findings into ideas for future therapies to protect lung tissue in people with CF.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cystic fibrosis who are willing to provide airway samples or participate in associated clinical protocols (children and adults as allowed by the study) would be the likely candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled, who cannot provide required samples, or whose disease is driven by unrelated mechanisms may not receive direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that slow or reverse damaging cell aging in CF lungs and improve lung function and mucus clearance.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown anti-aging approaches can improve mucociliary clearance in CF airway cells, but epigenetic-targeting strategies like BRD4 or AP-1 modulation remain largely experimental for clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Norfolk, United States
- Old Dominion University — Norfolk, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Yan — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Yan
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.