# Core B: Analytics for Mucolytics Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $321,943

## Abstract

Abstract
 The mucus layer lining the respiratory tract acts as the body's first line of defense against inhaled
pathogens and airborne particulate matter. Proper trapping of particulates and clearance from the lung is
therefore critical to maintaining pulmonary function. The goal of the Analytics for Mucolytics Core is to use the
biochemical and biophysical experimental expertise of its investigators to develop biomarkers of the effect of
disease and therapeutic interventions. These biomarkers will be derived from a multidisciplinary, basic
scientific characterization of pulmonary mucus samples collected by the four Projects of this tPPG. The
motivation for the Analytics for Mucolytics Core is rooted in the goals of this tPPG and can be summarize as
such: 1) elucidate the biological basis of muco-obstructive airway diseases, 2) investigate the polymeric,
physical basis of the underlying pathology of these diseases, and 3) test the efficacy of mucolytic and hydration
therapies. The core will be further governed by the hypothesis that muco-obstructive diseases such as
cystic fibrosis and asthma cause pathological alterations to the biochemical composition of
respiratory mucus, resulting in a hyper-concentrated mucus layer. The thickening of airway mucus leads
to altered biophysical properties that impede mucociliary clearance and ultimately cause a decline in lung
function. The therapeutic goal of this tPPG is to develop clinical treatments that restore pathological mucus to
its proper biochemical and biophysical state, and thereby restore its normal physiological function.
 The Analytics for Mucolytics Core will draw on the talents of a diverse team of researchers within the
Marsico Lung Institute who have developed and implemented novel, state-of-the-art experimental capabilities
for the characterization of the biochemical and biophysical properties of mucus. Core PI, Dr. Mehmet Kesimer,
is a world-recognized leader of mucin biochemistry and how changes to the biochemical composition of mucus
correlate to changes in pulmonary function. Dr. Ehre and Dr. Livraghi-Butrico add a wealth of experience in
biochemical imaging techniques of mucins and mucus, and relating these measurements to pulmonary
function in animal model systems and human subjects. Dr. Hill and Dr. Button are experts in the biophysical
characterization of the wide range of mucus sample types the Analytics for Mucolytics Core will analyze from
the diverse projects that make up this tPPG. Dr. Hill and Dr. Button are leaders in relating mucus biophysical
properties to physiological changes. Together, this diverse, multidisciplinary team brings a unique, unrivaled
set of skills that the core will employ to develop biomarkers of pulmonary physiology. Further, the proven track
record of the core investigators working in concert with clinicians will insure that the basic science approach of
the core will be tightly focused on developing biomarkers that are the best descriptors of the physi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10001595
- **Project number:** 5P01HL108808-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Mehmet Kesimer
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $321,943
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-07 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10001595

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10001595, Core B: Analytics for Mucolytics Core (5P01HL108808-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10001595. Licensed CC0.

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