Airway extracellular matrix and smooth muscle in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [ 2014 - 2018 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Alan James (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Brent Mcparland ,  Dr Peter Mcfawn ,  Dr Peter Noble ,  Prof Gregory King

Brief description In asthma the layer of airway smooth muscle is thicker, due to more muscle cells. Airway narrowing is excessive but reversible. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (due mainly to smoking) the layer of airway smooth muscle is also thicker but the airways cannot be induced to open, or close. Our data suggest that this fixed airway narrowing is likely to be due to an excess of matrix between cells rather than muscle. This project will comprehensively test this new finding.

Funding Amount $AUD 828,849.81

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant