THE ROLE OFPROTEASES AND PROTEASE ACTIVATED RECEPTORS IN RESPIRATORY EPITHELIAL CELL FUNCTION IN ASTHMA

Funded Activity Summary

The epithelium lines the airways and is, therefore, constantly exposed to a variety of exogenous antigens, infectious agents and noxious stimuli. This tissue responds to such stimuli by secreting substances that help counteract the insult while simultaneously initiating healing and repair. In this proposal, we will investigate the role of a group of receptors present on the surface of the epithelium which monitor the area surrounding the epithelium for the presence of enzymes which digest host tissue or pathogens. These receptors, known as PAR, sense their suroundings by binding the protease, a process which then triggers the cell to respond in an appropriate way by releasing cytokines and mediators. There are 4 PAR, each with different properties, and are present on many cells of the body. However, little information about their role on epithelium exists. Although we have shown them to be upregulated in the epithelium in the socio-economically important disease, asthma, their function in this disease remains elusive. We will, therefore, initiate studies to define their role in inflammation, healing and repair as this information may lead to a better understanding of their role in disease which may then translate into better treatment.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2003

End Date: 01-01-2005

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $457,500.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Respiratory Diseases

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Asthma | Chronic lung disease | Epithelium | Inflammation | Peptidases | Protease activated receptors | Rhinitis

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