Molecular drivers of Chronic Mucus Hypersecretion in COPD

Thus far, the phenotyping and endotyping of COPD is lagging behind. The aim of the current research proposal is to establish a cohort of patients with mild, moderate and severe COPD as well as healthy controls. An innovative systems biology approach will be used to identify i) those COPD patients with Chronic Mucus Hypersecretion, ii) potential treatable traits, and iii) novel therapeutic targets in COPD. The overall aim of this project is identification of candidate genes and pathways that are differently expressed and alterations in the lung microbiome with disease severity and associated with the progression of the disease. This is expected to lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets for COPD and chronic mucus hypersecretion in particular as well as biomarkers for those patients at risk to progress to severe disease.

Summary

In the current project, an innovative systems biology approach will be used to identify i) those COPD patients with Chronic Mucus Hypersecretion, ii) potential treatable traits, and iii) novel therapeutic targets in COPD. The overall aim of this project is to perform RNA-seq and bacterial 16s rRNA sequencing in nasal and bronchial epithelial brushes to identify candidate genes and pathways that are differently expressed and alterations in the lung microbiome in association with COPD and progression of the disease.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

3 - 3

Time period

60 months

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