The lungs are vital for life after birth, as the organ solely responsible for gas exchange (breathing). Perinatal death is most frequently associated with lung dysfunction, which can occur due to prematurity, or a variety of congenital problems. Lung diseases can also be acquired after birth and can be life-threatening, or lead to chronic morbidity (debility). Millions of people in the United States and world-wide are affected by lung disease or one kind or another.
The Division of Pulmonary Biology is part of the Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology and a partner in the Perinatal Institute, so we work closely with the divisions of Neonatology and Perinatal Biology. Our research focuses on research to understand the molecular and cellular events in lung development and diseases. The division is one of the largest lung research centers in the United States, being comprised of a number of collaborative groups. Groups within the division utilize state-of-the-art approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying normal lung morphogenesis, perinatal pulmonary adaptation, gene regulation, pulmonary injury and repair, surfactant homeostasis, antioxidants, transcriptional factors, structure and function of surfactant proteins. Investigators work on the pathogenesis of both common and rare lung diseases. Hence, the underlying goal of the division is to improve our understanding of the cellular processes and genes that regulate lung morphogenesis and homeostasis. Through this work and clinical research we aim to develop knowledge that will enable therapies to be developed for lung diseases in both children and adults.
Director: Jeffrey A. Whitsett, MD; Co-Director: Timothy E. Weaver, MS, PhD
