Description and purpose
The Specific Aim is to study the role of AUF1 in human airway epithelium as determinant of inflammation and accelerated cellular senescence in COPD pathogenesis. Based on our evidence, we will study 1) AUF1 regulation of newly identified epithelial mRNA targets; 2) protein interactome of AUF1; 3) AUF1 and interactome in epithelial exosomes and their function on macrophage activation.
Purpose
The project mainframe is the identification of altered mechanisms of posttranscriptional gene regulation (PTGR) in COPD as source of clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targeting.
Expected results
Results will permit developing specific, cost-effective animal models for testing suitability of AUF-1 and related biology for drug targeting or biomarker use, with the ultimate aim of improving COPD therapeutic management and decrease its socioeconomic burden.
Achieved results
Inflammation-driven changes in AUF-1 localization and RNP composition may control bound transcripts selected for exosomal transfer and influence epithelial exosomal functions. EAACI 2025 annual meeting in Glasgow oral presentation.
