Understanding how lungs sense mechanical forces to maintain their breathing surface
Mechanosensor Function in the Control of Gas Exchange Surface Size and Composition
This research explores how lung cells sense physical forces to control the size and makeup of the breathing surface, which could help us understand lung development and repair.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our lungs are constantly under mechanical tension from breathing, and this tension changes throughout life and with disease. We want to understand how the cells in the air sacs (alveoli) sense these forces and respond to them. Specifically, we are looking at a protein called Piezo, which acts like a sensor in these cells. By studying Piezo's role in lung development and how lungs heal after injury, we hope to learn more about maintaining healthy lung tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals with lung conditions, particularly those related to lung development, aging, or injury leading to fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat lung conditions like fibrosis by understanding how to maintain the lung's gas exchange surface.
How similar studies have performed: While Piezo proteins are known mechanosensors in other cell types, their specific role in lung development and repair is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Xin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sun, Xin
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.