Dr. Martin Post

Canada Research Chair in Fetal, Neonatal and Maternal Health
Tier 1 - January 1, 2001
Health

Research Involves

Exploration of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate lung development

Research Relevance

Crucial to developing treatments for respiratory problems in premature babies, one of the leading causes of disease and death in these newborns

Help for Little Lungs

Imagine a human birth without a baby’s cry. To expectant parents it’s a terrifying thought. Yet respiratory problems—often first indicated by a weak or non-existent cry—are one of the major causes of disease and death for the 5 to 10 per cent of babies that are born premature.

Helping immature lungs cope is an extremely complex medical challenge, one that Martin Post has been tackling prodigiously for the past 20 years. The new Canada Research Chair in Fetal, Neonatal, and Maternal Health, is a world leader in the basic research which is leading to improved neo-natal lung therapy.

Treatment for immature lungs is most effective if it mimics normal lung development. But Post says in order to treat lungs this way, it’s necessary to understand the mechanisms of fetal lung development. It’s an understanding that he approaches from the microscopic level of cells and molecules.

To date, researchers have identified only a small number of the exact chemical pathways that regulate lung cell development and organization, such as lung branching. Post’s research will explore several so-called "signalling pathways" that are essential to normal lung development. These communication pathways involve the genes, proteins and cells involved in a particular aspect of lung development.

Post’s research will also tackle the critical role of mechanical forces in lung growth and development. Premature babies often require mechanical ventilation to breathe. However, young lungs can be injured by the pressure and volume of the air used. Post’s research will be especially relevant because it will attempt to identify ways to avoid these injuries, while at the same time providing the lung with the benefits of movement.

Thanks to the research chair, Post’s basic research will continue and lead to valuable developments and improvements in health care and treatment. It has already spawned numerous therapeutic benefits. Prenatal steroid therapy to stimulate fetal lung maturation has been reduced as a result of his documenting the possible negative affects of this practise. He also holds a patent for a method that diagnoses an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening disease, characterised by hypertension, that affects approximately 5 percent of pregnant women.

For further information, please contact Dr. Martin Post using the Email contact form or by phone at 416 813-6772