Understanding how specific signals affect lung development
Official title: Uncovering the mesenchyme-specific roles of planar cell polarity in lung development
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11048444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain signals in the body help develop healthy lungs, especially how a special type of tissue affects the tiny air sacs we need for breathing, and it aims to find out what might go wrong in premature babies that can cause lung problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 21, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,194 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL166311-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were born prematurely and may have experienced lung development complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults without a history of premature birth or lung development issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific cellular signals in the development of the lungs, particularly focusing on how the mesenchyme, a type of connective tissue, influences the formation of alveoli, which are essential for breathing. By studying the interactions between different cell types during lung development, the researchers aim to identify mechanisms that could be disrupted in premature infants, leading to lung function issues. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques and genetically modified mice to observe these processes in real-time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for lung development issues in premature infants, potentially improving their long-term respiratory health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cellular signaling pathways in lung development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Celeste M — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Celeste M
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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.