Open AccessMolecular biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Author(s) -
Brett Ley,
Kevin K. Brown,
Harold R. Collard
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of physiology. lung cellular and molecular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.892
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 1522-1504
pISSN - 1040-0605
DOI - 10.1152/ajplung.00014.2014
Subject(s) - idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis , medicine , translational research , disease , pathogenesis , drug development , pathological , pulmonary fibrosis , biomarker discovery , biomarker , bioinformatics , fibrosis , immunology , lung , proteomics , pathology , biology , drug , pharmacology , biochemistry , gene
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.