Kjetil Ask

Biography

Associate Member Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Assistant Professor, Medicine Health Sciences Centre McMaster University Associate Member Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Assistant Professor, Medicine Health Sciences Centre McMaster University

Research Interest

Protein misfolding events have over the past 20 years been associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, ranging from diseases of genetic origins (Cystic Fibrosis/1-Alpha Antitrypsin Deficiency) to metabolic disorders (Diabetes) and Cancer. We are interested to learn more about the molecular events that occur when proteins are not folded correctly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and to elucidate the downstream activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to clarify its possible role in disease initiation and progression. Our primary interest is related to events implicated in the initiation and progression of chronic lung disease. We believe that increased understanding of molecular pathways related to protein misfolding will yield novel targets and offer the possibility for future therapeutic modulation of so far untreatable chronic lung diseases.