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Updated: May 31, 2025
06:03
Oropharyngeal Administration of Bleomycin in the Murine Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: May 9, 2025
168
Interplay between genetics and epigenetics in lung fibrosis.
Anita Valand1, Poojitha Rajasekar1, Louise V Wain2
1Centre for Respiratory Research, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK; Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK; Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, University of Nottingham, UK.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Genetic and epigenetic factors significantly influence lung fibrosis development. Understanding their interplay is crucial for novel therapeutic strategies targeting this progressive lung scarring disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Lung fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), involves progressive lung tissue scarring due to aberrant fibroblast activity.
- This scarring impairs respiratory function and gas exchange by depositing excess extracellular matrix.
- Both genetic predisposition and epigenetic modifications are implicated in fibrosis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the interplay between genetics and epigenetics in lung fibrosis.
- To explore genetic variants and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to disease development.
- To discuss potential clinical implications and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Integration of insights from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS).
- Review of literature on genetic variants, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression in lung fibrosis.
- Analysis of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Genetic variants are associated with increased susceptibility to lung fibrosis.
- Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs play a significant role in disease pathogenesis.
- The interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors is critical in understanding lung fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Considering both genetic and epigenetic factors is essential for comprehending and managing lung fibrosis.
- This integrated approach may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for IPF and other fibrotic lung diseases.
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