Project Leader: Lauren Donoghue

Studies with mouse models of asthma have greatly increased our understanding of disease. However, studies are often limited to examining one genetic background and one manifestation of the disease. We aim to identify mouse models the best recapitulate features and gene expression patterns of human disease by exploring mouse models with natural genetic variation. These models will allow us study how transcriptional pathways are conserved between mice and humans drive disease. Furthermore, the term “asthma” is increasingly understood as an umbrella term for a range of airway conditions rather than describing a single disease. Individuals with asthma vary in their type and degree of airway inflammation, extent of airway remodeling, and response to medication, among other classifiers. Understanding what drives these disease differences by identifying mouse models of these asthma sub-types will increase our ability to find effective treatment strategies.