# Functional interrogation of a novel SCGB3A2+/SFTPB+ cell in the human airway

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $31,745

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
This is an adminsitrative supplement request meant to expand the the scope of the parent award “Functional
Interrogation of a Novel SCGB3A2+/SFTPB+ Cell in the Human Airway” (R01 HL166139). In the parent award,
we describe the discovery of a new cell population, defined by a unique gene expression profile
(SCGB3A2HI/SFTPB HI/CFTRHI), lacking markers for other recognized cell types such as club cells
(SCGB1A1) and ionocytes (FOXI1). We termed these as Lower Airway Progenitor (LAP) cells due to their
location within the lung, and preliminary data suggesting that these cells can serve as a progenitor cell. Our
hypothesis, guided by preliminary data, suggested that LAP cells differentiate as early airway progenitor cells
distinct from TP63+ progenitor cells and give rise to a unique subset of airway cell types. The administrative
supplement aims to extend the scope of the project by identifying the transcription factors (TFs) necessary for
LAP cell differentiation and maintenance, using multimodal datasets and computational tools (Aim 1).
Following identification of LAP-enriched TFs, we aim to investigate the function of LAP cell-enriched TFs using
genetic loss-of-function via CRISPRi. The outcome of this project will provide foundational insights into the
regulation, function, and differentiation of this newly identified LAP cell population, contributing to the broader
understanding of human lung biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10875161
- **Project number:** 3R01HL166139-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Jason Spence
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $31,745
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10875161

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10875161, Functional interrogation of a novel SCGB3A2+/SFTPB+ cell in the human airway (3R01HL166139-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10875161. Licensed CC0.

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