Project Background

Question 1

What are proteases?

Answer 1

First group of protein enzymes used within out bodies

Enzyme molecule that is a protein that catalyzes the hydrolysis (breaking) of peptide bonds

Question 2

What are peptide bonds?

Answer 2

Hold together the amino acid molecules in a peptide chain

Question 3

Why are proteases needed?

Answer 3

Breakdown of food molecules into amino acids for formation of ATP or make new protein
Cells need to recycle protein molecules (e.g. to decrease protein channels in cell membrane)

Question 4

What is a protease activated receptor?

Answer 4

PARs in platelets contributes to hemostasis and thrombosis (clotting)
PARs in endothelial cells participate in regulation of vascular tone and permeability
PARs in vascular smooth muscle mediate contraction, proliferation and hypetrophy

Question 5

What do DkIT and QUB stand for

Answer 5

Dundalk institute of technology

Queens University Belfast

Question 6

What emerging novel biomarkers for COPD are there?

Answer 6

Emerging approaches to discovering markers of gene-environment interaction include exhaled breath analysis [volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Exhaled breath condensate]
Cellular and systemic responses to exposure to air pollution, Alterations in the lung microbiome
Biomarkers of lung ageing such as telomere length shortening and reduced levels of sirtuins.

Question 7

What current biomarkers for COPD are there?

Answer 7

Lung function (reduced CC-16)
Emphysema severity (increased adiponectin, reduced sRAGE)
Exacerbations and mortality [increased CRP, fibrinogen, leukocyte count, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] including increased YKL-40 with mortality

Question 8

What is the importance of novel biomarkers?

Answer 8

Important as the symptoms of COPD can be confused with other illnesses (shortness of breath etc. can be confused with heart disease or diastolic dysfunction)