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The Division of Lung Diseases (DLD) supports research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lung diseases and sleep disorders. The Division is responsible for monitoring the latest research developments in the extramural scientific community, as well as identifying research gaps and needs, obtaining advice from experts in the field, and implementing programs to address new opportunities.
Research is funded through investigator-initiated and Institute-initiated grant programs and through contract programs in areas including asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, respiratory neurobiology, sleep-disordered breathing, critical care and acute lung injury, developmental biology, pediatric pulmonary diseases, immunologic and fibrotic pulmonary disease, rare lung disorders, pulmonary vascular disease, pulmonary manifestations of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other respiratory pathogens. The DLD has three branches: the Airway Biology and Disease Branch, the LungBiology and Disease Branch, and the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research.
The Airway Biology and Disease Branch supports research and research training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis, lung imaging, and airway function in health and disease.
The Lung Biology and Disease Branch supports research and research training in pulmonary vascular biology and pulmonary hypertension, lung development and repair, acute lung injury and critical care, pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases, rare lung diseases, lung transplantation, and lung responses to HIV/AIDS and other infections.
The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research supports research and research training related to sleep disordered breathing, and the fundamental functions of sleep and circadian rhythms. The Center also stewards several forums that facilitate the coordination of sleep research across NIH, other federal agencies and outside organizations, including the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board and a Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee. The Center also participates in the translation of new sleep research findings for dissemination to health care professionals and the public.
The Office of the Director oversees scientific, budgetary and administrative efforts across the Division’s branches. Strategic leadership and coordination is provided for the development and implementation of lung and sleep research funding mechanisms and initiatives; direction and management of translational, clinical and implementation research programs; grant and contract administration; scientific workforce development; and intra- and inter-agency collaborations. Take a look back at our Division of Lung Disease 50th Anniversary highlights.
Researchers have identified 57 genetic variations of a gene strongly associated with declines in blood oxygen levels during sleep. Low oxygen levels during sleep are a clinical indicator of the severity of sleep apnea, a disorder that increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and death. The study, published today in the American Journal of...
Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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