The researchers says targeting of the gene NOX4 utilizes genetic and pharmacologic strategies that were successful in treating pulmonary fibrosis in mice and will be developed for future testing in humans.
"We've identified the target. We know the enemy now," said Dr. Subramaniam Pennathur, an assistant professor of internal medicine who led the research. "This is the first study that shows pulmonary fibrosis is driven by this NOX4 enzyme.
But what's really significant is this discovery may have relevance to fibrosis in other organ systems, not just the lung."
Pennathur said people suffering from common cardiac or kidney diseases that often involve fibrosis also might benefit from treatments stemming from the research.
The discovery that included Dr. Victor Thannickal and post-doctoral researcher Louise Hecker is to appear in the September issue of the journal Nature Medicine.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Nature Medicine Paper
"NADPH Oxidase-4 Mediates Myofibroblast Activation and Fibrogenic Responses to Lung Injury"
Louise Hecker*, Ragini Vittal*, Tamara Jones, Rajesh Jagirdar, Tracy R. Luckhardt, Jeffrey C. Horowitz, Subramaniam Pennathur, Fernando J. Martinez, and Victor J. Thannickal
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Kudos to all of the Authors for your hard work and dedication - Internal Medicine, U of M
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