Emphases

Allergic sensitization is a frequent early event in the development of asthma. How do genes influence this process and is there any interference with early baby care? We are trying to solve these questions with large biobanks (ECRHS, Europrevall and German Asthma Family Study) using advanced genotyping and sequencing technologies. A particular focus is on structural SNPs, CNVs) and epigenetic changes (methylation marks and RNA screen).

Which genes are responsible for the progression of COPD in adults? Why do also some never smoking people get COPD? We are participating in multicenter studies to solve these open questions.

Is there any role of somatic mutations for COPD progression? We are using next generation sequencing comparing macrophage depleted bronchial brushes with blood lymphocytes.

Our research furthermore supports experimental studies at the CPC concerning asthma asthma, COPD and IPF, by identification of transcription factor binding sites and small and long RNA transcripts. We believe that marker derived from this research will increasingly be used in the future as biomarkers for disease classification improving diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of lung diseases.