Early Origin of Chronic Lung Disease: Lung Developmental Genetics

Susceptibility to chronic lung disease may begin long before clinical disease becomes apparent. Failure to attain optimal peak lung function by early adulthood is an important pathway toward COPD later in life, highlighting the contribution of genetic susceptibility and early-life lung development alongside environmental exposures such as smoking, vaping, indoor and outdoor air pollution, occupational exposures. Our research investigates the genomics of lung function development, based on the concept that developmental genetic programs may be reactivated during lung injury, repair, and remodeling. By integrating findings from experimental models, molecular studies, and human cohorts, we aim to identify developmental mechanisms and early biomarkers of susceptibility to chronic lung disease. A special focus of this project is on alveogenesis.