Understanding Lung Cell Repair in Chronic Lung Diseases

Regulation of Progenitor Cell Plasticity in Lung Development and Disease-Repair

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11191434

This work aims to better understand how lung cells repair themselves and how this process goes wrong in chronic lung conditions like COPD.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11191434 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We want to learn more about the special 'progenitor' cells in the lung that help it grow and heal, and how they behave when the lung is injured or diseased. Sometimes, injured lung cells get stuck in an in-between state, unable to fully recover or heal properly, which can lead to ongoing problems. This project will explore how these cells make decisions to either heal normally or contribute to chronic lung disease. We will also look at how early life factors might influence lung development and increase the risk of adult lung diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies stemming from this work may seek adults aged 21 and older with chronic lung conditions like COPD.

Not a fit: Patients not experiencing chronic lung conditions or those outside the adult age range would likely not directly benefit from future clinical applications of this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to encourage proper lung repair and prevent or treat chronic lung diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of lung cell plasticity is emerging, this project explores novel observations about transitional cell states and their link to both lung development and chronic disease.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Chronic Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.