Dr N.L. Reynaert, Ph.D.

Using my Veni grant, I extended my PhD work performed in the US on redox regulation of inflammatory signalling. I was the first to demonstrate alterations in the glutaredoxin-S-glutathionylation axis in asthmatics. It also enabled me to shift focus from asthma to COPD and to establish the relevance of the antioxidant glutaredoxin 1 in COPD. Characterization of and the processes contributing to matrix remodelling in COPD, became a second research focus. Novel insight delivered includes the marked similarities in matrix remodelling between small airways and alveoli, and the contribution of lung epithelial cells hereto. I have moved into more translational research by facilitating the establishment of a primary lung culture facility and by setting-up the ICE-AGE cohort. Research into AGEs and (s)RAGE has been conducted in this context. I have also made a side-step into silicosis, performing microarray analyses and research into inflammasome activation. These topics and methodes are currently applied in other lung diseases characterized by chronic inflammation and remodelling. This includes examining the early origins of adult lung diseases through a strong collaboration with the department of neonatology. Most recently I have been awarded a second grant by the Dutch Lung Foundation that will examine how inflammation and oxidative stress target the lung microenvironment and hamper repair in COPD.