Our Researchers
William Powell, PhD
Respiratory Health AxisResearch Focus
Our research is focused on the role of eicosanoids in asthma and other inflammatory diseases. We discovered a pathway for the metabolism of arachidonic acid resulting in the formation of 5-oxo-ETE and we are investigating the regulation of its biosynthesis and its physiological role. This substance is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant and may contribute to the tissue infiltration of these cells in asthma. We have also identified a novel prostaglandin D2 receptor (the DP2 receptor/CRTH2) that is associated with eosinophil migration, and we are investigating its expression in the lung and its physiological role.
Keywords
Inflammation, asthma, eicosanoids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes
Selected Publications
Muro S, Hamid Q, Olivenstein R, Taha R, Rokach J, Powell WS. 5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid induces the infiltration of granulocytes into human skin. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2003; 112: 768-774.
Monneret G, Li HP, Vasilescu J, Rokach J, Powell WS. 15-deoxy-_12,14-prostaglandins D2 and J2 are potent activators of human eosinophils. Journal of Immunology 2002; 168: 3563-3569.
Martin JG, Suzuki M, Maghni K, Pantano R, Ramos-Barbón D, Ihaku D, Nantel F, Denis D, Hamid Q, Powell WS. The immunomodulatory actions of prostaglandin E2 on allergic airway responses in the rat. Journal of Immunology 2002; 169: 3963-3969.
Contact
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