The UAB Lung Biology Program provides a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary hub for scientists, clinicians, and the next generation of researchers to accelerate understanding of lung biology through the translation of basic science discoveries into clinical applications.

The Lung Biology Program advances understanding of acute and chronic lung diseases through innovative research. Our mission is to uncover fundamental mechanisms of lung pathology and develop new therapies to improve global respiratory health. We foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that translates basic science into clinical applications. We inspire the next generation of physician-scientists and Ph.D. scientists by integrating basic, translational, and clinical research. Guided by excellence and integrity, our vision is to transform respiratory science and improve lives affected by lung disease.

Our Objectives & Shared Values 

The objectives of the Lung Biology Program are to advance fundamental understanding by conducting cutting-edge basic and translational research to elucidate the mechanisms of acute and chronic lung diseases, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. We aim to translate discoveries to clinical applications, accelerating the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and interventions for lung diseases. Additionally, we seek to educate and inspire the next generation of physician-scientists and Ph.D. scientists through exceptional training and mentorship opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in pulmonary research. We promote collaboration among basic scientists and clinicians to leverage expertise and resources, driving interdisciplinary approaches to lung research. Furthermore, we strengthen infrastructure by developing and maintaining state-of-the-art research facilities and resources, ensuring robust support for innovative research initiatives. Lastly, we aim to expand our scientific impact by broadening research collaborations and establishing partnerships with other investigators.

Our shared values are integrity, as we are committed to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all our interactions and decision-making processes. We value respect, treating everyone with dignity and fostering a welcoming culture that promotes success and a sense of belonging. We strive for excellence in everything we do, continually seeking to improve our services and outcomes. Lastly, we emphasize teamwork, recognizing that collaboration allows us to achieve more collectively than individually.

Our Research

The Lung Biology Program comprises a team of scientists focused on pioneering research in Pulmonary Medicine. Key areas of focus include protease and matrix biology, metabolomics and proteomics.

Our research employs a variety of experimental and analytical technologies, utilizing animal models such as the smoke mouse model of COPD, lung bacterial infection mouse model, lung cancer mouse model, and genetically modified mice. We also collect clinical specimens, including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, biopsy samples, blood, and sputum. Additionally, we utilize on-site metabolomics analysis through the Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Lab (TMPL) and NMR analysis through the Structural Biology Lab.

Ongoing Studies

The Lung Biology Program is a team of scientists dedicated to pioneering basic and translational research in Pulmonary Medicine. Our primary focus areas include neutrophilic inflammation, protease impact, matrikines capability, biomarker characterization, and therapeutic targeting.

We utilize various experimental and analytical technologies, developing animal models such as the smoke mouse model of COPD, lung bacterial infection model, lung cancer model, and other genetically modified mice. We also collect clinical specimens, including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, biopsy samples, blood, and sputum. Additionally, we leverage on-site metabolomics analysis through the Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Lab (TMPL) and NMR analysis through the Structural Biology Lab.

Our faculty are primarily based in the Bevill Biomedical Research Building, Community Health Service Building 20th, and Pittman Biomedical Research II. Being centrally located in the UAB Health Sciences complex provides unique opportunities for collaborative research with other basic and clinical investigators.

Neutrophilic Inflammation

Our research focuses on the roles of neutrophils in chronic lung disease, particularly on unique modulators affecting neutrophilic inflammation and new mechanisms of protease release from these immune cells. We are also exploring how therapeutics impact neutrophil function.

Protease Impact

Our research investigates the impact of dysregulated protease activity in chronic lung disease. We characterize elevated protease levels and discover how these enzymes modulate immune regulation and cross-protease activation. These findings are crucial for understanding their role in pulmonary disorders.

Matrikines

Our research in protease biology has identified a novel collagen-derived fragment, proline-glycine-proline (PGP), derived by a discrete proteolytic cascade, which was capable of signaling neutrophils in chronic lung disease. We recently discovered that this peptide is capable of inducing epithelial dysfunction in asthma and plays a key role in neutrophil activation during acute pulmonary infections.

Biomarkers & Therapeutic Targeting

Beyond our mechanistic studies in protease and neutrophil biology, we are characterizing the pattern of a variety of biomarkers in the progression of lung diseases such as COVID-19, CF, COPD, and IPF. These studies now offer a roadmap for therapeutic targeting in clinical trials.