Project 170749
The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in allergen-driven airway remodelling
The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in allergen-driven airway remodelling
Project Information
| Study Type: | Other Mechanistic_Study |
| Therapeutic Area: | Respiratory |
| Research Theme: | Biomedical |
| Disease Area: | asthma, allergy |
| Data Type: | Canadian |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Martin, James G |
| Institution: | McGill University |
| CIHR Institute: | Circulatory and Respiratory Health |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Respiratory System |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 5 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
Asthma is caused by factors in the environment that act on the susceptible host, creating constriction of the airways or bronchospasm. The airways undergo changes after allergen exposure in sensitized subjects including growth of airway smooth muscle which is a likely explanation for the excessive responses to various stimuli that may subsequently cause airway narrowing. One of the mechanisms by which airway tissues grow seems to require the epidermal growth factor receptor. This receptor can be activated by the presence of a variety of substances that bind to it and trigger a series of signals to be initiated. The aim of this grant is to investigate the relationship between allergen exposure and the growth of various airway tissues, in particular smooth muscle, and the role that the epidermal growth factor receptor and various triggers of activation of this receptor may have in the process. Human tissues and model systems will be used to investigate the scientific questions being posed.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"investigate the relationship between allergen exposure and the growth of various airway tissues, in particular smooth muscle, and the role that the epidermal growth factor receptor and various triggers of activation of this receptor may have in the process"
Novelty Statement
"The aim of this grant is to investigate the relationship between allergen exposure and the growth of various airway tissues, in particular smooth muscle, and the role that the epidermal growth factor receptor and various triggers of activation of this receptor may have in the process."
Methodology Innovation
using human tissues and model systems to investigate the role of EGFR in allergen-driven airway remodeling