Jelmer Vlasma

Research

COPD is characterized by progressive lung tissue damage and impaired tissue repair resulting in loss of alveolar elasticity, manifesting as shortness of breath in patients. In addition, COPD patients are frequently diagnosed with osteoporosis, yet the link between these two diseases is unclear. Remarkably, a key mediator of bone degradation called Receptor Activator of NFKB signalling Ligand (RANKL) has shown to exert proliferative effects on lung stem cells in vitro. How RANKL achieves cell proliferation is unclear and warrants further research. By examining ex- and in vivo models we aim to elucidate the function of RANKL in the lung, thereby aiming to reveal additional therapeutic targets to achieve lung alveolar repair.

Keywords: COPD, lung repair, RANKL, epithelial cells, osteoporosis