Secretion of lung surfactant in health and disease

Lung surfactant is a lipoprotein substance secreted from alveolar epithelial type II cells. Surfactant deficiency causes alveolar collapse and prevents normal inspiration. Recently it was suggested that surfactant dysfunction or deficiency may contribute to development of pulmonary fibrosis by causing mechanical stress, scar formation and proliferation of fibrotic tissue.The molecular mechanisms of surfactant secretion in health and disease are not well known.

This project establishes a cell culture of primary type II cells and investigates molecular mechanisms of surfactant secretion using live cell microscopy, immunofluorescence, and molecular biology methods.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Ian Podmore.

For more information on research within the School of Environment and Life Sciences please visit the School research website www.salford.ac.uk/environment-life-sciences/research

* The project will profit from collaboration with the University Hospital of South Manchester and University of Manchester, which can provide lung tissue for cell isolation.