Líneas de investigación

• Lung development and ageing as key pathogenic determinants of adulthood respiratory diseases

  Co-directed by Dr. Alvar Agusti and Rosa Faner 

  We aim to understand the different respiratory diseases from a life-long perspective (Agusti, Faner, Lancet RM 2019). The main general hypothesis here is that all these diseases are the end-result of a series of life-long dynamic interactions between the environment and the genetic background of the individual, which regulate lung development, maintenance and repair (GETomics, Lancet RM 2022). In this setting, we are leading a European Multicenter Initiative (CADSET) than involves more than 30 research groups in Europe.  

• Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical complexity and heterogeneity

  Directed by Dr. Alvar Agusti  

  The evidence that COPD may originate early in life opens new opportunities for prediction, prevention, personalised and accurate management (P4) of COPD in young adults. In parallel to the identification of factors associated with different lung function trajectories, we are focusing on investigating COPD in young adults (20-50 years), in the context of the P4COPD project in order to: 1) investigate the genetic and environmental/lifestyle determinants of COPD in young adults (20-50 years); and 2) explore the feasibility and cost of implementing a P4 strategy for COPD in young adults in clinical practice.  

• COPD endotyping

  Directed by Rosa Faner 

  The group's current COPD mechanistic program is dedicated to studying the heterogeneity and complexity of COPD across the lifespan using novel trajectory modeling tools and novel multi-layer integration approaches. These approaches include omics (transcriptomics, epigenetics, proteomics, microbiome) and advanced integrative analysis both crossectional and longitudinal, including molecular response to treatment. The researchers working on this program are: S. Casas, N. Olvera, J. Viglino, X. Benedicto, A. Torvisco, A. Agusti. And collaborate with different bioinformatics groups around the world.  

• Interstitial lung Diseases (ILDs)

  Directed by Dr. Jacobo Sellares 

  The interstitial lung diseases area is directed by Dr. J. Sellares, current head of the interstitial diseases unit of the Pneumology Department of the Hospital Clínic and associate professor at the UVIC. In addition, Dr. Hernandez, Dr. Cruz, A. Puebla, Dr. Mendoza, Dr. Agusti and Dr. Faner are collaborators in this area. This research line investigates the relevance of the immunopathology of interstitial diseases in relation to clinical and radiological manifestations. Specifically, the group investigates fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (F-ILDs) that entangle high mortality and morbidity, which, to date, has no curative treatments.  

• Bronchiectasis (BE)

  Directed by Dr. Oriol Sibila 

  The bronchiectasis area is led by Dr. O. Sibila, currently head of the Pneumology Service at Hospital Clínic and associate professor at the UB. Dr. Lidia Perea is a post-doc in this line of research. Collaborators to this line of research are Dr. Agusti, Dr. Faner, Dra Martinez-Olondris, Dra Amaro, N. Mendoza, N. Olvera and S. Casas. Pulmonary bronchiectasis, not associated with cystic fibrosis, constitute a lung disease characterized by permanent bronchial dilatations and recurrent bacterial infections of the airways. It represents the third most prevalent chronic respiratory disease. Patients with bronchiectasis can suffer exacerbations that worsen their prognosis and clinical course. Due to the limited knowledge of their pathobiology, bronchiectasis cannot be prevented. This is why we investigate the longitudinal immunological changes in patients with bronchiectasis with and without exacerbations, and their relationship with airway dysbiosis and markers of epithelial and lung damage. 

• Early lung cancer (LC) diagnosis

  Directed by Dr. Angela Guirao 

  LC is highly prevalent and deadly. Yet, it can be cured if diagnosed early. To improve early LC diagnosis we are currently: 

  • Developing an electronic nose (e-nose) using artificial intelligence to diagnose LC in exhaled gas 
  • Implementing a population-based LC screening program enriched by the addition of potential biomarkers to better define the population to screen