RNA-binding proteins as emerging regulators in interstitial lung diseases

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging as critical post-transcriptional regulators that control multiple stages of RNA life cycle, thereby linking post-transcriptional programs to cellular function. Increasing evidence implicates dysregulated RBP-RNA interactions in key pathological mechanisms underlying interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including epithelial injury, fibroblast activation, immune dysregulation and impaired tissue repair. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cytoplasmic retention of the RBP Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) in patient derived fibroblasts is associated with preferential binding to profibrotic transcripts, while antisense oligonucleotide mediated suppression of FUS attenuates fibrotic signaling and enhances epithelial regenerative programs in cellular, ex vivo and 3D models. Emerging findings across ILD subtypes suggest that RBP dysregulation may represent a broader post-transcriptional phenomenon. Here, we review the principles governing RBP-RNA interactions, approaches for identifying and measuring these interactions and the links between RBPs, aging and lung pathology. We further discuss the emerging role of RBPs as post-transcriptional orchestrators of ILD pathogenesis and consider their potential as therapeutic targets.