Aberrant cellular signaling as a result of repeated allergen exposure can promote airway smooth muscle dysfunction as observed in asthma. The major focus of our research is to identify novel cellular and molecular mechanisms by which various airway cell functions and homeostasis is maintained. Thus, we aim on discovering and identifying novel cellular mechanisms that are altered in disease state and will characterize them to develop these targets as a potential therapy in future. Overall, our research program on asthma pathogenesis uses in vitro and animal disease models that integrates translational research with a focus on real world unmet clinical needs. 

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, which has been on the rise in recent decades. Our studies strongly suggest that E3 ligase pathway plays a central role in airway smooth muscle (ASM) dysfunction that is relevant to asthma and therefore, our current studies aim to elucidate the role of novel E3 ligases in ASM functions relevant to asthma.

Use of e-cigarettes aka vaping has increased at an alarming rate in the last decade which has led to the vaping epidemic in 2019. While the ill-effects of vaping are now emerging not much is known about the newly launched heated tobacco product (IQOS) and its co-use with conventional cigarette and/or e-cigarette. Our research is investigating the effect of dual or poly-product usage on human lung health.