Understanding Airway Cell Health in Early COPD
Airway Basal Progenitor Dysfunction in the Detection, Progression and Pathogenesis of Early COPD
This project explores how problems with special airway cells might help us find and understand early stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
COPD is a serious lung condition, and currently, it's very difficult to identify people who are just starting to develop it, making it hard to prevent its progression. This project focuses on special cells in your airways called 'basal progenitor cells,' which are vital for keeping your lungs healthy and helping them repair themselves. We want to learn if problems with these cells can act as an early warning sign for COPD and help us understand how the disease begins. By understanding these cells better, we hope to find new ways to detect COPD sooner and potentially change its course.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who smoke, especially those with early signs of lung changes or a family history of COPD, might be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or have no risk factors for COPD would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to detect COPD much earlier, allowing for interventions that might slow or prevent its progression.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that basal progenitor cell function is indeed reduced in smokers, including those with early lung changes, supporting this line of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandivier, Richard W — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Vandivier, Richard W
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.