Restoring a DNA repair protein that is missing in pulmonary fibrosis reversed the lung scarring that is the hallmark of the disease, a German study in mice has shown.
The finding raises the possibility that restoring the protein could reverse humans’ lung fibrosis as well.
Lack of the RAGE protein prevented the lungs’ DNA repair mechanism from preventing scarring, according to the researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Center for Diabetes Research.
Their study, “Homeostatic nuclear RAGE–ATM interaction is essential for efficient DNA repair,” was published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.
Every cell in the body suffers DNA damage every day. The most severe type of damage is a double-strand break, which means both strands of a DNA molecule are cut. If left unrepaired, the damage can lead to tissue scarring, degeneration, and cancer.
A number of studies have linked the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, to persistent DNA damage stemming from defective repair mechanisms.
Since the RAGE protein regulates lung cells’ responses to inflammation, lack of it leads to scarring. Scientists have linked its accumulation in the nucleus of lung cells not only to IPF but also to other diseases arising from DNA damage. RAGE”s full scientific name is receptor for advanced glycation end-products.
Scientists use mice that lack a RAGE gene as a model for IPF. These animals display both lung tissue scarring and diminished respiratory function.
The German researchers decided to use the mice to study the connection between DNA repair, RAGE levels in lung cells’ nuclei, and fibrosis.
Delivering RAGE to the lungs of the IPF mice not only reduced their DNA damage and fibrosis, but also restored their lung function to almost normal.
Key takeaways from the study were that DNA repair plays a crucial role in preventing fibrosis and that scientists may be able to develop a therapy around RAGE that can reverse DNA damage and lung fibrosis.
“This is astonishing in that fibrosis has so far been considered irreversible,” Dr. Peter Nawroth, the study’s senior author, said in a press release. “With RAGE, we could for the first time have found a possible starting point to cure this frequent tissue damage.” Nawroth is medical director of the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Clinical Chemistry at Heidelberg University Hospital.
“The published study not only provides important insights into the molecular relationship between RAGE-mediated DNA repair, cell aging and fibrosis,” said Varum Kumar, the study’s first author.
For the first time ever, a treatment for the lung damage caused by genes and cells may be within reach, he said. This also means that “the prevention of fibrosis or tumors, which also occur as a result of DNA damage, may be within reach” as well, he added. Kumar is a Heidelburg University medical professor who is also affiliated with the German Center for Diabetes Research.
The team has already obtained a patent for a RAGE-based therapy they plan to develop. Their next step is to see whether RAGE plays the same role in liver and kidney fibrosis as it does in lung scarring — and whether a RAGE-based treatment could reverse fibrosis in those organs.
My wife is an IPF patient and this sounds as a very very good news. I understand that the next step would be to test RAGE on humans post which, on positive results, filings would be made for FDA approvals. How much time does the testing on humans take place. Would be obliged to get some indication
I have fibrosis and would like to keep in touch with this promising research and when will it be tested on humans.
sure interested in this
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Does this break through mean that emphysema can be treated?
Can it be expected to be placed on the list of possible treatment Could it work for a patients with bone marrow cancer?
How can I become a patient for the study of rage in humans. I have COPD and require oxygen supplement for daily living. Please advise me if their is a chance or list for participation in the study.
I have copd also on 2.5 lt would this help me and what would treatment consist of.
Hi , I too would be willing to be part of a trial, I have ca right lung treated by Sabr , emphysema and bronchiectasis, severe, too young to be as I am, .
I would like to be a part of the RAGE study as I am an IPF patient.
Dr. Melinda English
How can I become a patient for the study of rage in humans. I have end stage IPF . Lung function down to 35 percent . Genetic repair seems to be the issue . Have already lost my sister ,brother and uncle to this disease. 57 years old . Intrested in any information in this process. Keep up the promising work you are all doing
I have pulmonary fibrosis from repeated bouts of pneumonia. I have recently been sent for lung transplant evaluation.I am very interested in your studies. I am only 38 and do not know if I will qualify due to my other medical problems. Thank you!
Please release the drugs for lung ASAP. My dad is suffering a lot.Vinoth from India
Any feedback on pirfenidone is highly appreciated.
Pirfenidone is an excellent drug to slow the progression of fibrosis at a dose of 1800 – 2400 mg/day at least. It is available at one-hundredth of the cost in the US or Europe in India. Data now shows that this drug has benefit even when started at an advanced stage of disease. However, good palliative care, and lung rehabilitation MUST be started along with any drug treatment for IPF
Pirfenidone is an excellent drug to slow the progression of fibrosis at a dose of 1800 – 2400 mg/day at least. It is available at one-hundredth of the cost in the US or Europe in India. Data now shows that this drug has benefit even when started at an advanced stage of disease. However, good palliative care, and lung rehabilitation MUST be started along with any drug treatment for IPF
My wife is a single lung transplant out 4 years. We are keenly interested that she might be a candidate for the RAGE treatment to restore lung function in the native lung. Please advise with who to contact. Thanks, EW Furgurson, Pharmacist
i would be interested in this drug trial as i systemic sceloderma sine when would this drug be ready for trial ?
I would be very interested in trying any new treatment for IPF. President Trump has championed the idea that drugs not yet approved by the FDA but showing promise should be made available to patients that want to slow down or eliminate the progression of their disease. IPF may be finally treatable with RAGE and I would love to be part of the study that proves the value of RAGE on humans.
Seven months have gone by since the last comment. Many people, me one of them, are anxious to know how is RAGE doing towards a therapy option for IPF. When would it be available ?