Raymond B. Penn, PhD

• Airway biology

• GPCR biology

• Asthma pharmacology

• Renal transporter biology

• Cancer biology

• Asthma, COPD

• Obstructive and fibrotic lung diseases

• Chronic metabolic acidosis

The major focus of my research is to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate important functions in airway cells. GPCR signaling regulates contractile function, synthesis and release of autocrine factors, and cell growth/survival in various airway cells, including airway smooth muscle (ASM), airway epithelium, lung fibroblasts, and T lymphocytes. Aberrant GPCR signaling or exaggerated presentation of GPCR stimuli can promote ASM hypercontractility, airway remodeling, and ASM hyperplasia/hypertrophy, all of which contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD. Moreover, GPCRs appear to mediate important mitogenic and survival signaling pathways in cells comprising the tumor microenvironment- including epithelia, fibroblasts, stem cells, and inflammatory cells- rendering them potentially important therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancer. Finally, many GPCR genes possess mutations that alter their expression or function; we are particularly interested in characterizing such altered function and its contribution to disease state or disease therapy.

PhD Physiology, Temple University College of Medicine 1988
MS Ed Education, University of Pennsylvania 1980
BA History, University of Pennsylvania 1980

• Center for Translational Medicine