ProfessorPaul McLoughlin

Our research group is focused on the exploration and understanding of key mechanisms in the development and progression of lung diseases. These diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, cystic fibrosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome and occupational lung diseases and are amongst the most common (and increasing) causes of death and disability worldwide. The number of effective therapies currently available is small due to our limited understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. Lung diseases all cause reduced oxygen in the lung which then activates mechanisms that are pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic and promote maladaptive vascular remodelling. Our current research is focused on understanding the specific mechanisms in the lung through which hypoxia promotes these disease responses. An understanding of these mechanisms allows us to identify potential therapeutic strategies that can be used to target the disease process within the lung without causing unwanted adverse effects in other organs.