Martina Gentzsch, PhD

EMAIL: gentzsch@med.unc.edu

PERSONAL WEBSITE: https://www.med.unc.edu/marsicolunginstitute/directory/martina-gentzsch-phd/

PUBLICATIONS: Publications Link

A major goal of my studies is to uncover potential targets for therapy of chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). I am a well-recognized expert in the cell biology of ion channels. Specifically, I work on pharmacological modulation of airway epithelial ion channels such as CFTR, which is mutated in CF, ENaC, and CaCCs in physiologically relevant model systems. I develop pre-clinical models for CFTR research and drug discovery in CF. Early in my career, I carried out crucial studies on processing and rescue of the most common CFTR mutation, F508del. My studies provided novel information on important aspects of CFTR function, stability, structure, and cellular interactions that are relevant to the pathophysiology of CF. At UNC, I established innovative techniques to evaluate modulation of ion channel function by small-molecule compounds in primary human bronchial and nasal epithelial cultures. In 2012, I assumed the role of Director of the CFTR Correction Core. This Core performed electrophysiological measurements to determine the efficacy of mutant CFTR rescue in cell lines, primary epithelial cultures, and tissues. In 2015, the Correction Core was expanded to create the NIH-funded Pre-Clinical Core that supports the translation of therapeutic strategies for CF from basic research to clinical studies by assessing drug candidates using in vitro and in vivo assays in relevant models of CF including improved CF mouse models and intestinal, nasal, and bronchial organoids. In 2016, I established and became the Director of the Functional Analysis Core, which utilizes electrophysiological, biochemical, and organoid-based assays to characterize ion channel function in airway culture models, including 2D planar and 3D spheroid models. My research is now investigating how environmental factors such as disease status, bacterial and viral infection, and inflammation affect ion channel function and protein interactions in airway epithelia. Furthermore, we are developing novel precision medicine models for other airway disease, where ion channel function is dysregulated (e.g., COPD/chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypoxia, chronic rhinosinusitis) . In addition, using our ion channel expertise, we are currently assessing the SARS-CoV-2 envelope viroporin as drug target to advance novel treatments for COVID-19 and other future coronavirus disease outbreaks.