The role of ER stress and protein misfolding events in chronic lung disease

Protein misfolding events has over the past 20 years been associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, ranging from diseases of genetic origins (Cystic Fibrosis/1-alpha antitrypsin deficiency) to metabolic disorders (Diabetes) and Cancer. We are interested to learn more about the molecular events that occur when proteins are not folded correctly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and to elucidate the downstream activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to clarify its possible role in disease initiation and progression.