Newcastle University

Respiratory Medicine

The Institute of Cellular Medicine Respiratory group undertakes a wide spectrum of laboratory-based translational and clinical research in lung disease. Our aim is to understand the mechanisms that lead to loss of function in lung parenchyma, airways and blood vessels. There is specific expertise in primary epithelial and endothelial cell culture (including cystic fibrosis epithelium) and this work is facilitated by the availability of tissue banking from lungs removed at transplantation.

Post lung transplant chronic allograft dysfunction

We are investigating mechanisms of airway fibrosis that characterises this problem which remains the most important limitation to long term survival. There is a current focus on EMT and the role of pepsin on epithelial injury . There are collaborative links with the Liver research group (Mann) Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation (Kirby, Dark) and Geoff Pearson from the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Bioscience) (Corris, Fisher, Lordan, Ward)

Airway and pulmonary vascular remodelling

We are currently studying mechanisms of inflammation and scarring in the airways of patients with Cystic Fibrosis and the role of endothelial cells in the development of Emphysema. (Corris, Fisher, Lordan, Ward)

Interaction between bacteria and the lung

These include assessment of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and host defence such as toll like receptors and the interaction of PAMPs and dendritic cell function. The bacterial cytoskeleton is being studied as a target for antimicrobials and we are studying non invasive means of early pathogen diagnosis. Key pathogens of interest include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia complex and Haemophilus influenzae. Current focus is on Cystic Fibrosis, COPD and bronchiectasis. (De Soyza, Gould, Fisher, Ward)

Respiratory Clinical Trials Unit

Based in the Sir Wiillam Leech centre at Freeman Hospital, our clinical research programme operates through a well established clinical trials unit  where we undertake studies of novel compounds in patients with a variety of lung disorders including asthma, COPD, lung fibrosis, bronchiectasis and pulmonary vascular disease. (De Soyza, Corris, Fisher, Gibson)

In addition to over 15 years of experience of Phase 3 studies, there is a particular interest in complex phase 2 studies of novel compounds using bronchoscopy, lung biopsy and induced sputum as assessment tools. The clinical trials unit is supported by NIHR via the Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN).  The unit has direct access on-site to dedicated lung function facilities including exercise testing and there are specialist interests in respiratory muscle function and respiratory physiology including sleep apnoea and sleep disordered breathing.