$15K award goes to researcher for work into IPF disease risk factors
University of Colorado professor wins 2024 Alton Ochsner Award
A University of Colorado professor has won the 2024 Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Disease for his work into how genetic and environmental factors, including smoking, contribute to a person’s risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — when the disease is due to unknown causes.
The $15,000 prize was awarded by Ochsner Health to David A. Schwartz, MD, distinguished professor of medicine and immunology at Colorado’s Anschutz School of Medicine, and director of the program to advance physician scientists and translational research. Ochsner Health is a nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South comprising 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers.
“We are honored to support researchers who make critical advancements to deepen our understanding of smoking cessation and disease prevention, because we know research is key to unlocking innovative treatments,” Leonardo Seoane, MD, chief academic officer for Ochsner Health, said in a press release. “We commend Dr. Schwartz for his scientific discoveries that will help physicians screen for and treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.”
Award honors research into smoking and other risk factors in disease
According to Ochsner Health, Schwartz’s work has helped to significantly advance scientific knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying IPF. Specifically, his research has revealed a specific change in the MUC5B gene that increases a person’s risk of developing the disease. Smoking can also raise this risk by three to five times and further activate the gene, per the nonprofit.
Schwartz’ discovery may help identify people at risk of developing IPF early, even before any symptoms arise, as well as aid in the development of novel strategies for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
“My team at the University of Colorado and my collaborators around the world have made these discoveries possible,” Schwartz said.“I am honored to be recognized for our contributions to lung fibrosis. … We are hopeful that our recent advances in the way we think about this progressive disease will ultimately benefit patients with lung fibrosis.”
Pulmonary fibrosis is marked by progressive fibrosis, or accumulation of scar tissue, in the lungs. Over time, this causes lung tissue to stiffen, making it hard for patients to breathe. In IPF, the most common form of the disease, the specific underlying cause of fibrosis is not clear.
Several factors can influence a person’s risk of developing IPF, including genetic and environmental factors. Among genetic factors, mutations in the MUC5B gene that encodes the mucin-5B (Muc5B) protein, a major component of lung mucus that contributes to airway clearance needed to control bacterial infections, are a known risk factor for IPF.
I am honored to be recognized for our [team’s] contributions to lung fibrosis. … We are hopeful that our recent advances in the way we think about this progressive disease will ultimately benefit patients with lung fibrosis.
The discoveries made by Schwartz and his team have contributed to establishing that high levels of Muc5B impair airway clearance and enhance lung fibrosis.
Among environmental risk factors for IPF, smoking is one of the most well-established.
The Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Disease was founded in 1986 in honor of Alton Ochsner, co-founder of Ochsner Health and one of the first physicians who identified smoking as the main cause of lung cancer. Awarded annually, it recognizes a scientist whose work has contributed to understanding the biological mechanisms that link tobacco smoking with human diseases. In addition to the prize money, awardees are given a medallion and a plaque distinguishing their key research findings.
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