Mitofusion 2 Overexpression Decreased Proliferation of Human Embryonic Lung Fibroblasts in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Inhibiting RAS-RAF-1-ERK1/2 Pathway

Mitochondrial fusion protein: a new therapeutic target for lung injury diseases

Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for cellular energy supply. The maintenance of mitochondrial structure and function relies heavily on quality control systems, including biogenesis, fission, and fusion. Mitochondrial fusion refers to the interconnection of two similar mitochondria, facilitating the exchange of mitochondrial DNA, metabolic substrates, proteins, and other components. This process is crucial for rescuing damaged mitochondria and maintaining their normal function. In mammals, mitochondrial fusion involves two sequential steps: outer membrane fusion, regulated by mitofusin 1 and 2 (MFN1/2), and inner membrane fusion, mediated by optic atrophy 1 (OPA1). Dysfunction in mitochondrial fusion has been implicated in the development of various acute and chronic lung injuries. Regulating mitochondrial fusion, maintaining mitochondrial dynamics, and improving mitochondrial function are effective strategies for mitigating lung tissue and cellular damage. This study reviews the expression and regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion proteins in lung injuries of different etiologies, explores their relationship with lung injury diseases, and offers a theoretical foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial fusion proteins in lung injury.

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the EGFR signaling pathway in lung cancer

Noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) have surfaced as essential orchestrators within the intricate system of neoplastic biology. Specifically, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling cascade shows a central role in the etiological underpinnings of pulmonary carcinoma. Pulmonary malignancy persists as a preeminent contributor to worldwide mortality attributable to malignant neoplasms, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) emerging as the most predominant histopathological subcategory. EGFR is a key driver of NSCLC, and its dysregulation is frequently associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Over the past decade, researchers have unveiled a complex network of ncRNAs, encompassing microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, which intricately regulate EGFR signalling. MicroRNAs, as versatile post-transcriptional regulators, have been shown to target various components of the EGFR pathway, influencing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Additionally, ncRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of EGFR signalling, with their potential to act as scaffolds, decoys, or guides for EGFR-related proteins. Circular RNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have also been implicated in EGFR signalling regulation. The clinical implications of ncRNAs in EGFR-driven lung cancer are substantial. These molecules exhibit diagnostic potential as robust biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized treatment. Furthermore, their predictive value extends to predicting disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Targeting ncRNAs in the EGFR pathway represents a novel therapeutic approach with promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. This review explores the increasing evidence supporting the significant role of ncRNAs in modulating EGFR signalling in lung cancer, shedding light on their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.