CVRI Scientists

James K. Brown, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine

Research Interests:
Protease signaling

Summary:
Tryptase is the most abundant protein released from mast cells, which are inflammatory cells found in large numbers in the airways and lungs of patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. When released from mast cells, tryptase has the capacity to stimulate growth in nearby cells. Therefore, it may contribute to thickening of the airway wall in asthma, leading to increased airflow obstruction, and to scar formation in the lungs in pulmonary fibrosis, leading to worsening shortness of breath. Our research seeks to understand the mechanisms through which tryptase stimulates cells to grow so that improved pharmaceutical approaches can be developed to inhibit its growth stimulatory effects and can be employed as possible therapeutic agents in patients with asthma and pulmonary fibrotic disorders.