Understanding how specific lung cells help heal lung injuries
Official title: Aerocyte-mediated Alveolar Epithelial Regeneration following Lung Injury
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11021851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special lung cells called aerocytes to see how they help heal the lungs after Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), with the hope of finding new ways to speed up recovery for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 16, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,990 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176717-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or similar lung injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic lung diseases or those who do not have acute lung injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of aerocytes, a type of lung cell, in healing damage caused by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). By focusing on how these cells interact with the alveolar epithelium, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could accelerate lung regeneration after injury. The researchers will explore the signaling molecules produced by aerocytes, particularly R-spondin3, to determine their impact on lung repair. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from ARDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with lung injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of lung cells in regeneration, but this specific focus on aerocytes and their signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Bisheng — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Bisheng
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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.