Understanding how lung cells regenerate after injury
Official title: Molecular Determinants of the Alveolar Epithelial Plasticity Window
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11089558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain lung cells can heal themselves after injury, especially in conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, to find new ways to help repair lung tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $570,744 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169382-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with lung injuries or diseases, particularly those experiencing pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable lung conditions that do not involve injury or regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow specific lung cells, known as alveolar epithelial cells, to regenerate after injury. It focuses on understanding how these cells lose their ability to act like stem cells and how they can regain this ability to repair the lung tissue. By using advanced genetic models, the researchers will explore the role of certain proteins in controlling this process, particularly in the context of lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for lung repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung regeneration and improve outcomes for patients with lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lung cell regeneration, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brownfield, Douglas Glenn — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Brownfield, Douglas Glenn
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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.