Daniel J. Kass, MD

I have a broad and collaborative research portfolio focusing on both translational and clinical studies in ILD. I have been funded by the NIH to study basic fibroblast biology in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Our laboratory focuses on understanding basic mechanisms of the differentiation of myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. This process involves increased expression of the transcription factor TWIST1. Dysregulation of TWIST1 expression is also associated with increased accessibility of the E-Box DNA-binding motif in lung myofibroblasts1. This perfect storm of events, we suggest, is a critical part of the myofibroblast transcriptional program.

Our laboratory has also studied the shift in G protein signaling in fibroblasts associated with the differentiation of myofibroblasts. This includes the loss of “anti-fibrotic” relaxin signaling through G?s to the gain of pro-fibrotic signaling through G?i.

We have also identified multiple biomarkers of ILD including the C-X-C chemokine CXCL6.

I am a pulmonologist with a special interest in the care of patients with interstitial lung disease. I am the Director of the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) at the University of Pittsburgh. The Center has a premier international reputation for the care of patients with ILD and for groundbreaking research in all forms of pulmonary fibrosis.

I have been privileged to teach pulmonary medicine (and interstitial lung disease, in particular) to fellows, residents, and medical students.