Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid-Derived Organoids as Translational Models for Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy
Awardee: James Hagood
Institution: University of North Carolina
Grant Amount: $83,154
Funding Period: February 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Summary:
Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) causes overgrowth of specialized lung cells called neuroendocrine (NE) cells, leading to breathing problems in infants, usually starting between 6 and 8 months of age. Our project aims to create a new model to study NEHI using a less invasive method involving fluid from the lungs, called bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), which is collected during the clinical diagnosis of lung diseases. BALF can be used to create organoid “mini-lungs” which can be used to study the interaction of NE cells with other lung cell types. By studying these organoids, we hope to understand how NEHI disrupts lung function and causes low oxygen levels. Our ultimate goal is to identify and test new treatments that could improve breathing for NEHI patients.