Research

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive, life-threatening lung disease characterized by abnormal inflammatory processes and lung tissue damage. These changes drive lung tissue remodeling, including small airway disease and emphysema, with the loss of alveolar tissue, leading to airflow limitation and accelerated lung function decline. COPD is currently the 4th leading cause of death worldwide with cigarette smoking as the major risk factor. COPD is more prevalent in the elderly but there is also a small group of severe COPD patients that are relatively young (severe early-onset(SEO) COPD). The pathophysiology of this disease, especially in the SEO-COPD group, is yet to be fully understood. 

Our research is focused on understanding various changes in the lungs physiology in ageing and COPD, with special focus on the airway. We use in-vitro models to study barrier function, inflammation, cellular senescence and remodeling of airway wall.

Keywords: Ageing, COPD, Airway epithelium, Cigarette smoke, Tissue remodeling, Inflammation, Senescence