Dr. Carolyn Baglole
Associate Professor - Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine
Respiratory Toxicoloogy, COPD, Pharmacology.
Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of mortality in Canada, accounting for upwards of 15% of deaths and nearly $6 billion in direct health care costs. While there are several factors that contribute to respiratory disease (e.g. genetic susceptibility), exposure to cigarette smoke remains the foremost preventable risk factor for developing chronic respiratory diseases, particularly lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
1. Molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of cigarette smoke-induced lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer) by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) using in vitro and in vivo models of cigarette smoke exposure.
2. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which interaction of the AhR with the NF-kB protein Re1B regulates lung damage caused by cigarette smoke.
3. Biomarkers in COPD.