Researchers Reveal Link Between COPD Risk Genes and Lung Cells

Researchers Reveal Link Between COPD Risk Genes and Lung Cells

It has long been a mystery: Why do breathing difficulties develop in one out of five smokers? What puts these smokers at risk for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third-leading killer of Americans, while 80 percent seem to be protected against the damaging effects to airways of trillions of oxidants and chemicals in each cigarette puff?

A biological link between four genes known to be associated with COPD and lung function may explain the development of the disease.
Image courtesy of Dr. Ronald Crystal

Genetics plays a role, but one that has remained enigmatic — until now. In a study in the Feb. 3 issue of PLoS ONE, a team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College has discovered a biological link between genes known to be associated with COPD and lung function that may explain both the development of the disease and the disparate respiratory effects of cigarettes on their users.



http://weill.cornell.edu/news/news/2014/02/researchers-reveal-link-between-copd-risk-genes-and-lung-cells.html