The focus of the Martin group is to understand the diverse roles that active proteases play in the progression of chronic airways diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive disease (COPD), to include the characterisation of novel cellular proteins and pathways. A key programme of work is the development of therapeutic strategies to combat airways dehydration, a key factor contributing to disease progression, as well as the characterisation of novel biomarkers to aid earlier diagnosis and disease management.