Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Hadzic from Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is investigating how developmental biological programs can be reactivated to restore destroyed alveoli and blood vessels. His research project is funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation.
Pulmonary emphysema is one of the most severe manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It involves the progressive destruction of the alveoli, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. To date, no treatment can restore this lost lung tissue. In advanced stages of the disease, lung transplantation may be the only remaining option.
Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Hadzic from the Department of Internal Medicine II at Justus Liebig University Giessen and the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI) is pursuing a new approach. The DZL Principal Investigator and one of the scientific leads of the DZL Disease Area COPD has received funding from the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation for his research project entitled “Reactivation of Developmental Programs to Restore Alveoli and Blood Vessels in the Diseased Adult Lung.”
Developmental Programs as a Key to Regeneration
During embryonic development, specific molecular programs ensure the coordinated formation of alveoli and the surrounding blood vessels. These programs are normally inactive in the adult lung. At the same time, factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ageing can further impair the lung's regenerative capacity.
However, preclinical studies suggest that this loss of regenerative capacity may not be irreversible. By reactivating one of these developmental programs, researchers have succeeded in restoring both alveoli and blood vessels in experimental models. Remarkably, they were even able to reverse established pulmonary emphysema.
Understanding the Interplay Between Alveoli and Blood Vessels
Building on these findings, the research team is now investigating how the two tissue compartments – the alveoli and the vascular system – interact during lung regeneration. Understanding this interplay could reveal important starting points for future therapies.
Using complementary preclinical models, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms and lay the groundwork for new regenerative treatment approaches. In the long term, this could make it possible to restore damaged lung structures even in advanced stages of the disease.
Through his project, Stefan Hadzic is opening up new perspectives for the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and helping to advance regenerative approaches in COPD research.
