What Pro2 is Up2

There has been some exciting news for patients suffering from pulmonary problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study released last year by The Saban Research Institute has isolated an enzyme critical to lung function.

This enzyme, which they have named Eya1, is a protein phosphatase and has been identified as being integral in regulating lung epithelial. This enzyme also helps regulate other molecules and proteins which are critical to optimal lung function.

Future testing and studies will need to be done, but right now it is thought that manipulating the enzyme's activity may aid in lung tissue regeneration which may improve the condition of patients suffering from asthma or COPD.

The study was published here in the Journal of Cell Science.

Also in the news recently, a protein linked to COPD exacerbation, a compound found in blue-green algae, and the PKC enzyme, which could all help with COPD treatment.