Overview
Oxygen (O2) is essential for life, but excessive oxygen causes tissue injury, scarring, aging, and death. We are studying mechanisms of injury mediated by O2-sensing pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, especially gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). GRP secretion is induced by O2-related (oxidant) injury, leading to acute and chronic lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Our key model is PF due to ionizing radiation to the thorax. This is clinically relevant to PF triggered by many environmental exposures or autoimmune diseases, as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). There is no cure for PF. We seek to reverse fibrotic responses in lung.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Pathology
·
2004 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Cell Biology
·
2004 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Medicine
·
2004 - Present
Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine,
Medicine
Professor in Pediatrics
·
2010 - Present
Pediatrics,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Leptin augments IL-13-induced airway eotaxins and submucosal eosinophilia in obesity-associated asthma.
Journal Article J Allergy Clin Immunol · March 2025 BACKGROUND: Airway tissue eosinophilia can be an observed feature of obesity-associated type 2 (T2) asthma, but the processes mediating this inflammation are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a process whereby leptin, an adipokine elevated in obesity, pot ... Full text Link to item CiteHuman Cripto-1 and Cripto-3 Protein Expression in Normal and Malignant Settings That Conflicts with Established Conventions.
Journal Article Cancers (Basel) · October 23, 2024 Background/Objectives: Cripto-1 (CR1) is a plurifunctional embryonic protein required for implantation and re-expressed in the adult during wound repair, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. CR1 and its predicted CR1 pseudogene product Cripto-3/CR3 are highly ... Full text Link to item CiteNeuropeptides and Lung Development
Chapter · January 1, 2024 It has been recognized for over 50 years that lung tumors can elaborate hormonal substances, including catecholamines and multiple bioactive peptides (1). Often referred to as “ectopic hormones,” these substances may infrequently give rise to secondary par ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Oxidative Stress and Regional Airway Remodeling and Fibrosis in Obese Asthma
ResearchClinical Research Coordinator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025Humanized Antibody to Treat Pulmonary Fibrosis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by North Carolina Biotechnology Center · 2022 - 2023Interdisciplinary Training Program in Lung Disease
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2009 - 2021View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
1982
M.D.
Harvard University ·
1982
Ph.D.
University of Toronto (Canada) ·
1976
B.S.