Understanding how cells in small lung airways repair themselves
Regulation of distal basal cells in terminal and respiratory airway regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11161548
This project aims to learn more about the tiny air passages in human lungs and how their cells repair after damage, which could help people with lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11161548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many lung diseases affect the very small airways, but we don't know much about how these areas work or heal. Traditional animal models like mice don't have the same small airway structures as humans, making it hard to study. Researchers are using human lung samples and special stem cell cultures to identify new types of cells in these small airways. They are also using ferrets, whose small airways are more similar to humans, to better understand these areas. By studying these cells and how they regenerate, we hope to uncover new ways to treat lung conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with lung diseases that affect the small airways, such as asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis, could eventually benefit from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients without lung conditions affecting the small airways would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of lung diseases affecting small airways and potentially new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses novel human cell cultures and ferret models to overcome limitations of traditional mouse models, building on preliminary data that identified new cell populations.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KADUR LAKSHMINARASIM, PREETISH — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: KADUR LAKSHMINARASIM, PREETISH
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.