Role of the endocannabinoid system in airway tone regulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Daniela Wenzel
• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 288402524

Endocannabinoids are modulators of the homeostasis of various organs. While endocannabinoid function in the nervous system has been intensively investigated in the past, their role in the lung is ill-defined. In the current project we will investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in physiological airway tone regulation and identify the underlying signalling pathways ex vivo and in vivo. Moreover, we will determine the impact of endocannabinoids on lung pathophysiology in different asthma models. Hereby we will distinguish effects on airway tone regulation and inflammation. These studies should provide insight into airway regulation in health and disease. This could result in novel therapeutic options for obstructive lung disease.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants