Megan Webster
Papers
1
Total Citations
66
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Megan Webster has pioneered transformative approaches in respiratory drug discovery, with her work centering on advanced in vitro models of the human airway. Her primary research areas include miniaturized organotypic culture systems, air-liquid interface (ALI) models, and preclinical assay development for pulmonary diseases. Webster’s most significant contribution is the creation of a miniaturized 96-Transwell air–liquid interface human small airway epithelial model, published in 2020 and cited 66 times. This breakthrough addresses the critical bottleneck of limited primary airway epithelial cells from clinical samples by enabling high-throughput, reproducible testing in a 96-well microplate format—dramatically reducing cell requirements while maintaining physiological relevance. Her innovation has accelerated respiratory drug discovery, allowing researchers to screen compounds more efficiently and ethically. Webster’s work is notable for bridging the gap between traditional 2D cultures and complex animal models, offering a scalable platform for studying diseases like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. By overcoming ex vivo cell division constraints, she has empowered scientists to conduct robust, miniaturized assays that conserve precious patient-derived cells, making her a key figure in modern respiratory toxicology and pharmacology.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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