Shah Saddad Hussain, PhD

Research Project:
Determining the Mechanisms Underlying Airway Loss in COPD

Grant Awarded:

Catalyst Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
imaging radiology
tobacco

Research Diseases:

alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
COPD
emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), primarily caused by smoking, leads to progressive lung dysfunction. It is worsened by a genetic risk factor alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Obstruction of airways seen in COPD is due to structural changes, including the narrowing and loss of small airways, potentially associated with mucus plugging. AAT deficiency is a genetic risk factor that intensifies COPD severity. It leads to emphysema through lung tissue damage, accelerated by smoking. To understand the progression of COPD, we have developed an innovative COPD model in ferrets that allows us to measure airway loss and mucus obstruction, key factors that cause the disease. Our research focus is airway loss in COPD ferrets, determining whether mucus obstruction causes loss to occur, and identifying RNA signatures preceding airway remodeling and loss. This distinctive model promises to shed light on AAT deficiency's influence on COPD and inform the creation of new treatments.

Page last updated: October 7, 2024

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