Nikki Reyne

I am a postdoctoral researcher working within the Adelaide Cystic Fibrosis Airway Research Group and the Respiratory X-ray Imaging Laboratory, based at the Women's and Children's Hospital in South Australia. My research is dedicated to improving outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on preventing or reducing CF-related lung disease through genetic therapies and advanced imaging.

My research journey began in 2019 when I undertook an Honours project investigating lentiviral gene therapy in a CF rat model. This work resulted in the first demonstration of in vivo CFTR correction in the nasal airway epithelium.

My PhD work focused on using X-ray Velocimetry (XV)—a novel imaging modality that captures lung function in real-time—to study respiratory disease in animal models. I have applied XV to assess lung function in CF rats, β-ENaC transgenic mice, and preclinical models of obstructive lung disease. My research has demonstrated regional ventilation differences in these models, contributing to our understanding of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

I also have an interest in bacterial lung infections, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which remains a significant challenge in CF care. I have developed and characterised a chronic Pseudomonas lung infection model in CF rats to better replicate human disease and assess therapeutic strategies.

In addition to my research responsibilities, I manage the breeding and maintenance of the only two CF rat models in the Southern Hemisphere, which are a vital resource for translational research in Australia.

Research Goals
My goal is to improve early detection and treatment of lung disease in children with CF. By combining advanced imaging with gene therapy approaches, I hope to identify early signs of lung damage, test new therapies, and better understand how disease progresses over time. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a future where children with CF can live longer, healthier lives with fewer complications.