Transplanting engineered lung cells to restore airway and alveolar function
Official title: Engraftment of PSC-Derived Lung Lineages to Reconstitute in vivo Airway and Alveolar Stem Cell Function
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11046609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a way to help heal lung problems by using specially made cells to replace damaged ones in the lungs, which could lead to better treatments for people with genetic lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,602 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL170952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with genetic lung diseases that affect airway or alveolar function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic lung conditions or those whose lung issues are not related to stem cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore the function of airway and alveolar stem cells by transplanting engineered lung epithelial progenitor cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. The approach involves differentiating these stem cells into specific lung cell types and then instilling them into the airways of recipient mice. By doing so, the researchers aim to durably reconstitute the stem cell compartments in the lungs, potentially leading to new treatments for genetic lung diseases caused by dysfunction in these areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore lung function in patients with genetic lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for lung diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotton, Darrell N. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Kotton, Darrell N.
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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.