# Core A: Cell Model and Evaluation Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2021 · $241,719

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT: P30 CORE A
Well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells and the assays that can be used with them are an
instrumental model for understanding epithelial biology and are highly predictive of in vivo results in clinical
trials. Primary cells can be used with methodologies that translate readily to assays of airway function in vivo,
including measures of CFTR activity or other ion transporters, airway surface liquid depth and mucus
hydration, and mucus viscosity and transport. Primary airway cells further provide an excellent model for
examining the biology of airway epithelial inflammation, which is key to the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF)
lung disease. The purpose of Core A is to support the research of numerous P30 investigators that involves
cell culture systems and to assist with established and innovative assays available to characterize cellular
responses.
Core A carries out three main functions as outlined in the Specific Aims. First, Core A procures, grows, and
distributes well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells from CF and non-CF donors. This includes
samples of cells from lung transplants, surgically excised nasal tissue, and nasal brushings obtained at UAB
and from a large array of collaborating centers. Examination of novel expansion and differentiation techniques
for primary cells is also a key function of the Core. Second, Core A conducts functional anatomic imaging of
airway epithelia by 1-micron resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (μOCT) in vitro (primary cells of human
or non-human origin) and ex vivo (intact full-thickness trachea or mainstem bronchi of human origin or
comparable tissues from CF animal models, thus interfacing with Core B). μOCT allows for investigators to
explore mucus flow and mucociliary interactions and is designated as a National Core due to its unique and
important capabilities. Third, Core A performs and assists with measures of CFTR activity and expression. In
addition to traditional assays of CFTR function (e.g, Ussing chambers), the Core supports innovative
conductance assays and advanced PCR technology for investigating CFTR and other protein expression.
Core A facilitates interdisciplinary collaborative research, provides resources that are beyond the expertise of
individual research laboratories, fosters the sharing of ideas and experimental strategies, assists with technical
troubleshooting, and maintains essential equipment that is and will be heavily utilized by P30 personnel and
beyond. Cost savings are achieved by minimizing duplicate efforts of individual CF investigators, by the
centralized purchase and usage of equipment, reagents, and supplies, as well as by maintaining a central
repository for human epithelial tissue. On the whole, Core A provides significant expertise and resources to
aid P30 investigators, fostering advancement of epithelial cell culture and innovative assays to understand
CFTR pathogenesis and support r...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10246450
- **Project number:** 5P30DK072482-15
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Bradford Alan Woodworth
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $241,719
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-04-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10246450

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10246450, Core A: Cell Model and Evaluation Core (5P30DK072482-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10246450. Licensed CC0.

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