Genetic and epigenetic regulation of airway epithelial cell function in asthma

Asthma is a major cause of human suffering. Estimates suggest that 300 million people currently have asthma, which is the most common chronic disease among children. Asthma is a complex disease involving both genetic and environmental factors (e.g. allergen exposure) resulting in disease. Molecular genetics holds great promise to identify new genes and pathways involved in asthma providing new therapeutic opportunities and it is thought that epigenetics forms a critical mechanistic role in environmental interactions in asthma.

This project aims to further our understanding of the contribution of epigenetics to altered airway epithelial cell gene expression and functions observed in asthma. A range of methodologies will be used including; RNA-sequencing, methylation arrays and gene manipulation techniques in cultured airway cells isolated from asthma patients and control subjects.

Available to Home/EU/International students.

Please email a CV with a covering letter to Professor Ian Sayers