Division of Pulmonary, Allergy
and Critical Care Medicine
Research Laboratories
Associate
Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary,
Allergy and Critical Care Medicine
Director
of Medical Critical Care Services
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Laboratory Address 630 Phone 212-342-6853 Fax
212-302-0401 |
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Our research group is interested in the active
transport mechanisms by which the lung removes excess fluid from the alveolar
space. These studies are focused on the role that catecholamine and adenosine
receptors play in regulating the expression and function of solute transport
proteins such as the epithelial sodium channels, the cystic fibrosis
conductance regulator, and the sodium-potassium-ATPase.
Included in these studies are gene transfer approaches aimed at restoring
and/or enhancing the function of these proteins in injured lungs. Our group is also interested in the role that
bronchial epithelial b2-adrenergic receptors play in regulating airway smooth
muscle tone. These studies are designed to ascertain if these receptors are
important modulators of airway reactivity in normal and allergen sensitized
mice. Dr. Factor's laboratory is also working to
develop novel adenoviral vectors for gene transfer to lung epithelial cells.
These viruses are used to modulate epithelial cell function to improve our
understanding of the role and regulation of transport proteins and epithelial
catecholamine and adenosine receptors. These viruses also offer the
possibility of human gene therapies for asthma and acute hypoxemic
respiratory failure. |
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