EKFS funds “Reactivating developmental pathways to restore alveolar-vascular integrity in adult diseased lungs”

The research project “Reactivating developmental pathways to restore alveolar-vascular integrity in adult diseased lungs”, led by CPI faculty member Dr. Stefan Hadzic, has received funding from Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the most common causes of death worldwide. Its most destructive manifestation is pulmonary emphysema, characterized by the progressive loss of alveolar tissue and gas-exchange surface. As no available therapy can regenerate the destroyed tissue, lung transplantation remains the only option at advanced emphysema stages.

During embryonic lung development, molecular programmes coordinate alveoli formation and the associated capillary network. In the adult lung, these programmes are inactive, and cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ageing further impair their reactivation, limiting endogenous tissue repair. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that reactivating one of these developmental programmes can restore alveolar and vascular structures and reverse established emphysema. Using complementary experimental models, the project will now investigate the functional interplay between the alveolar and vascular compartments and assess how their coordinated regeneration might be harnessed therapeutically.

Under the leadership of Dr. Stefan Hadzic, the researchers aim to establish a foundation for regenerative therapeutic strategies capable of restoring lung architecture even at advanced stages of disease.

Congratulations to Dr. Stefan Hadzic and the entire project team on securing this funding!