Translational research on the role of the Hedgehog pathway, ADAM19 and HTR4 in the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

In a Genome Wide Association (GWA) study we identified SNPs that are significantly associated with lung function in the genes encoding Hedgehog Interacting Protein (HHIP), A Disintegrin and Metallopeptidase domain 19 (ADAM19) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor receptor 4 (HTR4). We will study the expression and function of these genes in a mouse model of COPD and in patients with COPD.