Lung Epidemiology

3d rendered medically accurate illustration of the bronchi

The research interest of our working group focus on the role of genetic, environmental and life-style factors including their interplay on lung health and function.

Our team aims to assess determinants of lung function during the period of lung growth and aging with respect to the development of lung diseases. Our projects identify genetic, environmental and life-style factors and investigate their complex interplay on lung health and function, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Lung function varies substantially between individuals throughout the life course and those with poor lung function are known to be at higher risk for lung diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, our aim is to elucidate mechanisms determining poor lung function and the transition from health to early stages of lung diseases.

The research group uses data and biosamples from the ongoing population-based cohort studies GINIplus, LISA, KORA and NAKO as well as the German COPD cohort study COSYCONET.

We contribute to research within the German Center for Lung Research and to international consortia such as SpiroMeta to facilitate large-scale GWAS of lung function.

We aim to identify determinants of lung function, including genetic, environmental and life-style factors, during development, growth and age-related decline.

Sneakers, water, towel and earphones on the wooden background

We further aim to investigate driving factors and biomarkers and to explore the role of comorbidities and life-style factors influencing the transition from health to disease in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.

We aim to explore respiratory health and lung function in Germany based on data of the German National Cohort (NAKO).

Within the German Center for Lung Research, we aim to link clinical and epidemiological cohorts for a better understanding of COPD phenotypes.

The word copd written on a white notepad on a blue background near a stethoscope, syringe, electronic thermometer and pills. Medical concept

Dr. Marie Standl

Head of Research Group 'Allergic Disease Epidemiology', Head (ad interim) of Research Group 'Lung Epidemiology', Statistician

View profile

Dr. Claudia Flexeder

Postdoc, Statistician

Dr. Stefan Karrasch

MD, Epidemiologist

Rebecca Braun

Technical Assistant

DNA helix symbol isolated on white background illustration

SpiroMeta

The SpiroMeta consortium was established to facilitate large-scale meta-analysis of GWAS of lung function. It provides a powerful resource in which to study genetic associations with lung function or COPD in a large general population sample.

2024-2027

DZL 4.0

The German Center for Lung Research is an association of the leading university and non-university institutions dedicated to lung research in Germany. Using translational research methods, the DZL seeks to jointly develop new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of serious lung diseases.

Our research is embedded into the Disease Areas COPD and Asthma and Allergies of the DZL.

Eijkemans M, Mommers M, Harskamp-van Ginkel MW, [...], Flexeder C, Koletzko S, Schikowski T, Eggesbø MÅ, Lenters V, Fernández-Tardón G, Subiza-Perez M, Garcia-Aymerich J, López-Vicente M, Sunyer J, Torrent M, Ballester F, Kelleher C, Mehegan J, von Berg A, Herberth G, Standl M et al.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and childhood asthma: a European collaborative analysis

Shrine N, Izquierdo AG, Chen J, [...], Flexeder C, Karrasch S, Gieger C, Peters A et al.

Multi-ancestry genome-wide association analyses improve resolution of genes and pathways influencing lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk

Gerlich J, Ohlander J, Kromhout H, [...], Karrasch S, Adaskina N, Vogelmeier C, Ochmann U, Jörres RA.

Cumulative occupational exposure to gases and fumes is associated with impairment in lung function and disease-related quality of life in a German COPD patient cohort

Ngo D, Pratte KA, Flexeder C, [...], Gieger C, Suhre K, Graumann J et al.

Systemic Markers of Lung Function and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second Decline across Diverse Cohorts

Lung Epidemiology

On This Page

About our Research

Research Topics

Determinants of lung function

Transition from health to disease

Respiratory health and lung function in Germany

German Center for Lung Research

People at Lung Epidemiology

Our Collaborations

SpiroMeta

DZL 4.0

Highlighted Publications

Cooperations

DZL - German Center for Lung Research

CPC - Comprehensive Pneumology Center

German National Cohort

Contact Head (ad interim)