Understanding how airway cells behave in health and disease
Official title: Molecular Analysis of Airway Secretory Cells in Health and Disease
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11268038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your lungs, called club cells, behave in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially how they make mucus and help repair lung tissue, which could help us find better ways to treat COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL161446-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11268038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly those experiencing small airway dysfunction or emphysema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other respiratory conditions not related to COPD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific airway cells, particularly club cells, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It focuses on how these cells produce mucins and their ability to regenerate alveolar tissue, which is crucial for lung health. By using advanced techniques like organoid assays, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind excessive mucus production and impaired tissue repair in COPD. This could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve lung function and quality of life for patients with COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding airway cell behavior in other lung diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for COPD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Yan — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Hu, 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.