UNC scientists isolate protein that could play role in asthmatics

Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine believe they have isolated a protein that, when missing or depleted, can cause airway constriction, production of mucus, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing for the 334 million people worldwide who suffer from asthma.
And they're hopeful that this discovery, published today in Nature Communications, will lead to more effective treatments for asthma.
Robert Tarran, PhD, associate professor of medicine, and a member of the UNC Marsico Lung Institute, primarily focuses his research on cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But after identifying a protein - SPLUNC1 - in cystic fibrosis research, Tarran's colleague Steve Tilley, MD, UNC associate professor of medicine, wondered what role it might play in asthmatics.....

Read more here: news-medical.net

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Got asthma? A SPLUNC1 inhaler might one day come to your rescue

In general, hyper-responsiveness doesn't seem like a bad trait; it's certainly something you'd like from your cell phone company. But in the lungs, hyper-responsiveness is a major hallmark of asthma, a condition wherein the airways inflame and restrict breathing. Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine believe they may have found a protein that can combat this extreme reaction of the lungs, which could one day wind up in an inhaler to help asthmatics regain normal respiratory function in the face of an attack.....

Read more here: newatlas.com

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Teenage "princess" who died from asthma attack saves lives after family donate her organs
Lauren Wilkinson suffered heart failure after a severe attack - but leaves behind an incredible legacy

A teenager who died at 17 from an asthma attack has given the gift of life by donating her organs.
Lauren Wilkinson, nicknamed Lolly, suffered a cardiac arrest after a severe attack.
But she helped save several lives as her heart, kidneys and liver were all donated to transplant patients.
Lauren's death sparked an outpouring of grief in Darlaston, West Midlands, where she lived.....

Read more here: mirror.co.uk