JEM: Targeting special mechanically sensitive protein may be expected to treat pulmonary fibrosis

Recently, in a research report published in the International Journal of Experimental Medicine, scientists from the University of Alabama and other institutions have identified a new molecular target through research that may potentially help treat fatal and Aging-related lung disease-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), the researchers pointed out that the targeting of a special protein called MDM4 may be able to remove scar tissue from lung tissue by turning on a The genetic program to prevent respiratory failure of the patient’s body.

The main feature of IPF is the accumulation of scar tissue, which leads to hardening of the lungs, which makes it difficult for patients to breathe and unable to obtain sufficient oxygen from the blood.

Researcher Yong Zhou said that the regression of pulmonary fibrosis is thought to mainly involve the degradation of excess collagen, the removal of myofibroblasts, and the regeneration of stem cells in normal lung tissues.

MDM4 can inhibit a key transcription factor called p53.

Finally, the researcher Zhou said that targeting the mechanical properties of the lung microenvironment may provide a new strategy for the development of new anti-fibrotic therapies.

Original source:

Jing Qu,Shan-Zhong Yang,Yi Zhu, et al.