Projects
Airway Biology Group
The Center for Genetic Medicine Research's Airway Biology Group is an interdisciplinary research program focused on the “united airway” concept, where all airways (lung, nose, sinuses and ears) are interrelated. The team works in a collaborative and interdisciplinary setting, alongside investigators from the Center for Translational Research and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. The Airway Biology Group includes the Center’s largest contingent of physician-scientists, whose clinical specialties include the fields of emergency medicine, pulmonary medicine, otolaryngology and anesthesia. Working closely with Center scientists trained in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, virology and mathematics, the team is making important discoveries in airway diseases such as:
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lung complications of sepsis
- Otitis media
- Chronic rhinosinusitis
- Rare lung cancers of childhood
This group has seen rapid expansion which has been accompanied by several significant accomplishments, including major new grants from the NIH totaling more than $3 million and the publication of key findings that will advance clinical care. In addition, led by Robert Freishtat, M.D., M.P.H., the team successfully launched a cell culture core laboratory for investigating respiratory epithelial biology and to facilitate training of junior faculty and trainees. The core laboratory also assists other Center investigators and serves as a resource for the respiratory biology research community at-large.
Faculty Members of the Airway Biology Group
- Robert J. Freishtat, M.D., M.P.H.
- Andrea Hahn, M.D.
- Gustavo Nino Barrera, M.D.
- Jason Patregnani, M.D.
- Geovanny Perez, M.D.
- Dinesh Pillai, M.D.
- Diego Preciado, M.D., Ph.D.