To fully understand complex diseases such as asthma and COPD, it is important to have animal models that closely resemble the human disease. These animal models facilitate the understanding of the underlying deficiencies of the lung and the development of drugs that will be effective in human patients.
We have identified genetic susceptibility variants that predispose humans to increased mucous hypersecretion. We found that mice with targeted modifications in the same locus also have increased mucus production. We also have controlled exposure regimen for cigarette smoke, bacterial components, viruses, and allergens. The lab has several animal models of COPD and asthma.
