The role of integrins in stretch-induced activation of TGF-?1 and pulmonary fibrosis

Fibroproliferative disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A large group of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) can cause progressive scarring of lung tissues, affecting the ability to breathe. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is one of the major forms of ILD and is characterized by a progressive decline in lung function. Although the pathogenesis of IPF is not completely understood, work from our group and others suggest that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-?1) is involved in the fibrogenic process. In this project, we will assess the contribution of the Integrins to the stretch-induced activation of TGF-?1 and the fibrotic process and we will examine the anti-fibrotic effect of specific Integrins Antibodies that are developed by GSK plc. In a TGF-?1-mediated animal model of lung fibrosis. This work will increase our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in pulmonary fibrosis and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for IPF.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kjetil Ask

Student:

Soumeya Abed

Partner:

GlaxoSmithKline

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: