Circular RNA circSmad4 controls pulmonary fibrosis

Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Anna Jeong, Taewon Kook, Yun-Gyeong Lee, Yongwoon Lim, Ayeong Han, Young‐Kook Kim, Dongtak Jeong, Woo Jin Park, Duk‐Hwa Kwon, Hyun Yi Kook
DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.25.123
Cited by: 0

Abstract

) and collagen secretion. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of FGFR2 with FGFR2-IN-1 also suppressed the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-β1, mimicking si-circSmad4. These findings suggest that circSmad4 functions as a central regulator of pulmonary fibrosis by modulating fibroblast activation, ECM deposition, and inflammation. In conclusion, circSmad4 represents a novel driver of pulmonary fibrosis, and targeting circSmad4 may offer a promising therapeutic strategy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Circular RNAs in diseases Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
Volume
30
Issue
3
Pages
219–230
Publication date
28 January 2026
Language
EN