Understanding how early lung stem cells choose their fate
Gene regulatory networks in early lung epithelial cell fate decisions
Researchers are mapping the gene switches that guide early lung stem cells so future personalized cell therapies could repair damaged lung lining in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309115 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to identify the gene regulatory networks that tell primordial lung progenitor cells what kind of lung epithelial cell to become. Scientists will use patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and lab techniques such as ATAC-seq and gene network analysis to find the key transcription factors and interactions. The team plans to use those molecular 'instructions' to guide stem cells in the lab toward mature lung cell types or to boost repair mechanisms in the lung. Results are intended to enable autologous, patient-specific approaches for diseases that damage the airway or alveolar lining.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with lung diseases that affect the airway or alveolar epithelium, and those willing to donate cells or tissue for lab-derived iPSC work, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People under 21, patients whose conditions do not involve lung epithelial damage, or those unable/unwilling to provide tissue or cells may not directly benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could enable patient-specific stem-cell therapies or new ways to encourage lung repair for conditions that damage the epithelium.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have partially guided iPSCs toward lung cell types in vitro, but translating those findings to patient-ready therapies remains largely unproven and this project takes new steps to define the governing gene networks.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ikonomou, Laertis — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Ikonomou, Laertis
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.