Understanding how mucus transport works in the lungs
Mucociliary innate defense mechanism in the human distal airway
This study looks at how mucus moves in the small airways of the lungs, which is really important for keeping your lungs healthy, especially for people with conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis. It aims to understand why mucus can get stuck and how that affects breathing, so we can find better ways to help those who struggle with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mucociliary clearance mechanism in the human distal airway, which is essential for maintaining lung health. It focuses on how mucus transport rates are affected by the properties of cilia and mucus, particularly in small airways that are often impacted in muco-obstructive lung diseases. The study aims to uncover the cellular activities that contribute to slower mucus transport and the implications of less concentrated mucus in these regions. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into the pathogenesis of conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those without muco-obstructive lung diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding mucociliary function, but this specific approach to small airways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okuda, Kenichi — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Okuda, Kenichi
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.