Rachel Damico, MD, PhD

Research Project:
Endostatin-Axis in Emphysematous Remodeling in COPD

Grant Awarded:

ACRC Pilot Grant

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
biomarkers
pathology

Research Disease:

emphysema

This study aims to investigate the role of angiostatic factors, specifically the endostatin-axis, in the development of emphysema. Emphysema is caused by excessive cell death and tissue aging in the lungs due to exposure to harmful environmental factors such as smoking and inflammation. Currently, there are no drugs available that target the tissue destruction associated with emphysema. The study will investigate the relationship between angiostatic factors, including endostatin, and imaging measures of emphysema in COPD patients. The research aims to improve our understanding of the underlying pathobiology of emphysematous tissue destruction and identify new functional biomarkers that can lead to novel therapies for COPD/emphysema, especially those targeting the parenchymal destruction associated with emphysema.

Page last updated: September 30, 2025

Rachel Damico, MD, PhD

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