Pulmonary Research Laboratory
1. Head of Laboratory: Michael I. Lewis, MD
Email: Michael.Lewis@cshs.org
Phone: 310-423-1832
2. Description of Lab: Respiratory Muscle Cell Biology: We are interested in evaluating mechanisms underlying atrophy of respiratory and limb muscles in acute and chronic catabolic states and conditions (e.g., animal model of emphysema). We are specifically interested in signaling pathways mediating skeletal muscle protein turnover (both synthetic and proteolytic) and their regulation. In states of acute and chronic cachexia, we are evaluating mechanisms underlying disordered protein turnover and specific molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Studies involve muscle cell cultures, and in vivo evaluation in transgenic and other models in which acute and chronic cachectic states are induced. In vitro and in vivo genetic manipulations are employed to test hypotheses and proof of concept. We are also experts in performing quantitative histochemical analyses of muscle fibers and, when necessary, in vitro and in vivo physiologic studies. Translational studies in patients (e.g., COPD), evaluating muscle biopsies for biochemical, morphometric and molecular analyses, have also been performed.
Pulmonary Vascular Biology: We are interested in evaluating signaling pathways important in promoting pulmonary vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy in animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (e.g., monocrotaline PAH model). Similar experimental approaches as described above will be used together with physiologic measurements of pulmonary and cardiac hemodynamics, as well as morphometric analyses in addition to our cell biologic endeavors.
3. Key Personnel: Michael I. Lewis, MD; Mario Fournier, PhD.
