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Research Overview

My research focuses on the role of lung macrophages in the development of regional inflammation in the lung in a number of lung diseases including: cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Currently my laboratory is investigating the clinical manifestations and mechanisms of regional heterogeneity of lung inflammation, with an emphasis on increased understanding of differences in alveolar macrophage function in patient populations comparing alternate lobes of the lung. We are interested specifically in how regional differences in hypoxia impacts macrophage gene expression, phenotype and cell function and how these changes may contribute to this long-term problematic inflammatory response. This research overall aims to provide a sound molecular basis for improved diagnostics, therapies or treatments for CF, COPD and asthma.