Second-year veterinary student Tara Guinn. Photo: Robyn Thrasher.
Second-year veterinary student Tara Guinn. Photo: Robyn Thrasher.

Influenza study sticks to mucus production

Cracking open a bottle of champagne was the first thing Tara Guinn of Winnipeg, Man., did after receiving her acceptance letter to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

"I was in disbelief. I had to reread the letter before sharing the good news with my family." says the veterinary student.

Now, with her first year of veterinary school behind her, Guinn is using her summer break as an opportunity to delve into the world of research.

She's working with WCVM assistant professor Dr. Matthew Loewen on a project that aims to identify therapeutic targets to regulate mucus and fluid production for the treatment of respiratory disease — in particular influenza A.

Overproduction of mucus is a serious problem with airway infections. Moisture is required to keep mucus thin so it can be naturally moved out of the lungs.

If the balance between moisture and mucus is disturbed by disease, the airway can become congested to the point of suffocation.

Guinn will evaluate the response of influenza-infected cells to different drugs: "These drugs will activate or inactivate certain channels that move water and ions into the airways hydrating the mucus."

She explains that the study will help identify the channels involved in airway hydration during infection and hopefully lead the way to developing new treatments in respiratory disease.

"Influenza affects many people every year, especially immunocompromised, young or elderly individuals," says Guinn. "Any treatment that can lessen the symptoms and thus lead to a faster recovery would be extremely beneficial."

This project is a perfect fit for Guinn as she spent three years focusing on microbiology and biochemistry during her undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba.

"This experience has given me an opportunity to apply my knowledge of molecular biology and physiology and learn more about the infection process of influenza."

While it's her first time working in research, Guinn has always wanted to give it a try and the topic of this research project greatly interested her.

"This study uses many techniques that I've learned about but haven't yet applied," she says. "As well, it's nice to be able to use my knowledge to investigate something that will help both human and animal medicine."
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