SUMMARY
The research of Yourka D. Tchoukalova, Ph.D., focuses on two areas related to upper airway conditions. Using an omics approach, Dr. Tchoukalova explores the underlying mechanisms of idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Omics is an area of biological study that explores the molecular makeup of an individual. Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare fibrotic narrowing condition of the subglottic mucosa that usually affects women. Dr. Tchoukalova's goal is to increase understanding of the pathogenesis of idiopathic subglottic stenosis.
Another area of her study is translational research that strives to accelerate the repair of abnormal cells and tissue or to replace organs by using regenerative medicine approaches.
Focus areas
- Clinical mutations in idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Dr. Tchoukalova collaborates with experts in sex-chromosome genetics and whole-genome measurement technologies from Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University to identify causal mutations in idiopathic subglottic stenosis.
- Germline mutations in idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Dr. Tchoukalova researches pathogenic germline mutations in idiopathic subglottic stenosis by using whole-genome sequencing. The whole-genome sequencing is conducted on blood samples collected from affected and unaffected members of families where two members have the disease. Dr. Tchoukalova also studies the sequencing of identified germline mutations on tissue samples from sporadic cases of idiopathic subglottic stenosis.
- Genes, sex hormones and idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Dr. Tchoukalova also is interested in identifying genes involved in pathways regulated by the interaction of genetic mutations and sex hormones. She studies bulk RNA sequencing of tissue samples from people with sporadic forms of idiopathic subglottic stenosis and control groups.
- Other treatment for laryngeal and tracheal cancers. Dr. Tchoukalova works with a multidisciplinary team to develop other modalities to treat laryngeal and tracheal cancers. These other modalities include transplantation of decellularized larynges or tracheae from deceased donors and bioengineered larynges and tracheae.
- Preclinical studies for tissue engineering. Dr. Tchoukalova and her co-investigators perform preclinical studies to assess the suitability of various biomaterials for tissue engineering of larynges. She uses in vitro 3D cultures and evaluates the safety and efficacy of fabricated bioengineered constructs in animal models.
Significance to patient care
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis has relentless scarring of the upper airway, requiring repeated surgeries to restore the ability to breathe without problems. The cause of idiopathic subglottic stenosis is unknown. The discovery of the mechanism that causes idiopathic subglottic stenosis could facilitate the development of new products that might reduce the recurrence of this condition after surgery.
Cancer of the larynx, also known as laryngeal cancer, affects half of the larynx. The current surgical treatment is removal of the whole organ, resulting in a loss of voice production. Tracheal cancers that affect large segments of the trachea are inoperable. Laryngeal and tracheal transplantation, if needed, provide a solution. However, subsequent lifelong immunosuppressive medicine is required. Removal of donor cells from a larynx, a trachea or bioengineered organs would require less or no immunosuppression, which might improve outcomes.