Ann Arbor, MI – (October 17, 2023) – The American
Lung Association Research Institute has awarded $13.6 million
in research grants to fund 129 innovative projects to advance science to end
lung disease, including a project
from Michigan. Yanzhuang Wang, Ph.D. from the Regents of the
University of Michigan was awarded the COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research
Award. For the next two years he will receive $100,000 under the
award for a grant total of $200,000.
Lung research is
critical because 1,433,000 people in Michigan are living with lung disease and
each year, millions of people are impacted by respiratory viruses like COVID-19
and influenza. Through the Awards and Grants Program, the Lung Association
supports trailblazing research, novel ideas, and innovative approaches. The
funded researchers investigate a wide range of lung health topics, including
asthma, COPD, lung cancer infectious lung diseases and more.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Wang to the elite American Lung Association Research Institute and our efforts to fundamentally transform lung health here in Michigan and across the nation,” said Carma Peters, Local Leadership Board Chair at the Lung Association. “Our research investment is key to unlocking solutions to alleviate the burden of lung disease. The Lung Association’s Awards and Grants Program promotes innovative research, collaboration, translation of discoveries, and scientific exchange to transform today’s science into tomorrow’s solutions. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Dr. Wang’s project will investigate how the SARS-CoV-2 infection alters a structure called the Golgi apparatus that is found in cells. The Golgi distribute proteins to their proper locations, but the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection causes it to fragment and scatter. Dr. Wang’s research will look at how Golgi structural changes affect SARS-CoV-2 virus intracellular transport and release; plus try to identify therapeutic targets that can be used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“I am deeply honored to receive this research award from the American Lung Association. This recognition highlights the significance of our ongoing efforts to advance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its implications for human health,” said Dr. Wang. “I am committed to continuing this important work to benefit individuals and families affected by COVID-19 and related infections. Thanks to the American Lung Association for the support and acknowledgment.”
This
year, awards were given in different categories addressing many aspects of lung
disease; ALA/AAAAI Allergic
Respiratory Diseases Award, ALA/ATS/CHEST Foundation Respiratory Health Equity
Research Award, Catalyst Award, COVID-19 Respiratory Virus
Research Award, Dalsemer Award, Innovation Award and Lung Cancer Discovery
Award. Research projects funded by the Lung Association are carefully selected
through rigorous scientific peer review and awardees investigate a wide range
of complex issues.
The
Lung Association’s Research Institute includes the Awards and Grants
program, and also the Airways
Clinical Research Network, the nation's largest
not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and
COPD treatment research. The Lung Association is currently accepting
applications for its 2024-2025 research awards and grants cycle. For more
information about the active research funding opportunities, visit Lung.org/awards.
For more information about the new
grant awardees and the entire American Lung Association Research Team, visit Lung.org/research-team.
Media Resources
Get involved and help the mission
of American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Detroit takes place this
spring on May 19. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Detroit.
###
About the American Lung
Association
The American Lung Association is
the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and
preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The work of
the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to
defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of
life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a
tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association,
which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level
GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a
local event at Lung.org/events.
