Joselyn Rojas-Quintero, MD

Research Project:
Investigating How Metformin Protects Against Cigarette Smoke Damage in Lung Cells in COPD

Grant Awarded:

ACRC Early Career Investigator Grant

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
proteomics
tobacco

Research Diseases:

COPD
emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is defined by loss of lung tissue. Despite public service campaigns to prevent exposure to cigarette smoke (CS), progressive emphysema remains a major cause of death in the U.S. Currently there are no disease-modifying treatments for emphysema. The main cells lost in emphysema are alveolar type 2 cells (AT2). These cells rely on a process called fatty acid oxidation (FAO) for energy, and any disruption to this process can lead to cell death. In emphysema, AT2 cell dysfunction promotes loss of lung function. By improving FAO effectiveness, we could preserve lung tissue. Metformin is a diabetes drug that we have shown protects CS-induced lung damage in AT2 cells. We will investigate how metformin protects against CS- accelerated AT2 cell aging. Repurposing metformin for emphysema treatment could help patients. Our studies will pave the way for clinical trials.

Page last updated: October 15, 2025

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