Predicting and Treating Pulmonary Fibrosis with Proteomic Biomarker Investigations
Giulia Raineri1,2,3, Anna Valeria Samarelli1,2, Roberto Tonelli1,2
1Experimental Pneumology Laboratory, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
Biomedicines
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Proteomics offers vital biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare lung disease. These biomarkers aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Proteomics
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease characterized by aberrant remodeling and impaired repair.
- Accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy response prediction are critical for managing IPF.
- Omics technologies hold significant potential for identifying clinically relevant IPF biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of proteomics in identifying key biomarkers for IPF.
- To focus on the clinical relevance of these biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease progression.
- To explore new therapeutic options based on recent advancements in mass spectrometry.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on proteomics and IPF.
- Analysis of implicated molecular pathways in IPF pathogenesis.
- Focus on advancements in mass spectrometry for biomarker identification.
Main Results:
- Proteomics has identified specific molecular pathways involved in IPF, including abnormal wounding, fibroblast proliferation, inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, oxidative stress, ER stress, and coagulation.
- Key protein biomarkers are emerging for IPF diagnosis, prognosis, and predicting treatment response.
- Technological advancements in mass spectrometry are enhancing the identification and validation of these biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Proteomics is a powerful tool for discovering clinically relevant biomarkers in IPF.
- Identified biomarkers can significantly improve IPF diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research leveraging advanced proteomics is crucial for developing novel treatments and improving patient care for IPF.
