Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction as a driver of COPD

Mitochondrial dysfunction is getting more and more attention within the context of respiratory disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is shown to be significantly and causally associated with a range of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and dementia. It also plays a role in many other diseases. Mitochondria has a wide range of crucial roles within the cell and dysregulation of any is likely to cause issues within the cell. Oxidative phosphorylation and the production of reactive oxygen species make mitochondria a likely source of damage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive condition characterised by chronic inflammation within airways which over time causes the remodelling of airways and significant damage to airway epithelia. COPD patients usually display chronic bronchitis, small airways disease, and/or emphysema. These result in obstructed and damaged airways. This project will investigate whether mitochondrial dysregulation plays a role in the development or progression of COPD.