# UAB CFRC Core A: Cell Model and Evaluation Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2024 · $307,980

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT: P30 CORE A
Well-differentiated human airway epithelial cells, model systems, 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 and
epithelilal function in vivo, including measures of CFTR activity or other ion transporters, airway surface liquid
depth and mucus hydration, mucus viscosity and transport. epithelial cell models 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 (via interactions
for clinical acquisition of samples via Core C), grows, and distributes well-differentiated primary human
epithelial cells from a variety of tissue sources (lung, sinus, rectal, etc.) from CF and non-CF donors. This
includes samples of cells from lung transplants, surgically excised nasal tissue, rectal biopsies, 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, mainstem
bronchi, and other tissues 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, organoid swelling 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 th...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10918166
- **Project number:** 5P30DK072482-18
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** George Martin Solomon
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $307,980
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-04-01 → 2028-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10918166

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10918166, UAB CFRC Core A: Cell Model and Evaluation Core (5P30DK072482-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10918166. Licensed CC0.

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