Molecular biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2014 Nov 1;307(9):L681-91. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00014.2014. Epub 2014 Sep 26.

Abstract

Molecular biomarkers are highly desired in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where they hold the potential to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms, accelerated drug development, and advance clinical management. Currently, there are no molecular biomarkers in widespread clinical use for IPF, and the search for potential markers remains in its infancy. Proposed core mechanisms in the pathogenesis of IPF for which candidate markers have been offered include alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and fibrogenesis. Useful markers reflect important pathological pathways, are practically and accurately measured, have undergone extensive validation, and are an improvement upon the current approach for their intended use. The successful development of useful molecular biomarkers is a central challenge for the future of translational research in IPF and will require collaborative efforts among those parties invested in advancing the care of patients with IPF.

Keywords: biomarker; diagnosis; prediction; pulmonary fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Blood Proteins / genetics
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / immunology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnosis*
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / immunology
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / metabolism*
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / physiopathology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / metabolism*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Mucin-5B / genetics
  • Mucin-5B / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Respiratory Mucosa / immunology
  • Respiratory Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / physiopathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • Telomerase / genetics
  • Telomerase / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Proteins
  • MUC5B protein, human
  • Mucin-5B
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
  • TLR3 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • TERT protein, human
  • Telomerase