Research Track

The overall goal of this line of research is to investigate inherited genetic factors that play a role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.  The goal of this investigation is to identify a group of genetic loci and genes that play a role in the development of familial pulmonary fibrosis.  This will be accomplished by performing linkage in families with at least 2 or more cases of interstitial lung disease and a gene wide association study in patients with sporadic forms of pulmonary fibrosis, including asbestosis.  In addition, gene x environment studies will be pursued by examining the effects of asbestos, cigarette smoke, and viruses among those that are found to be genetically susceptible.