I work on genetic determinants of emphysema. I focus on the role of extracellular matrix molecules in predisposing to, or protecting from, emphysema. I use knockout and transgenic mouse models to investigate the mechanisms responsible for changes in emphysema susceptibility following cigarette-smoke exposure. I am also translating these findings to human disease by screening populations of emphysema patients for extracellular matrix molecule gene mutations that associate with clinical markers of disease.

Lung disease, rare lung disease, cystic lung disease, emphysema, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease. Dr. Shifren heads a multidisciplinary team that includes pulomonologists, rheumatologists, chest radiologists, lung pathologists and thoracic surgeons specializing in the comprehensive care of patients with these rare and complex conditions. 

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