Scientists Discover JAK2/STAT3/EPAS1 Pathway as a Key Driver in Severe Asthma
New research uncovers the JAK2/STAT3/EPAS1 pathway as a key driver of inflammation and tissue damage in severe asthma, offering potential targets for innovative therapies.
Recent research has shed light on the complex biological mechanisms underlying severe asthma, a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation, narrowing, and recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The study highlights the pivotal role of the JAK2/STAT3/EPAS1 signaling axis in exacerbating the condition.
Asthma affects millions globally, and despite advancements in treatment with inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, and biologics, certain severe cases remain resistant to therapy, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic targets. The latest findings reveal that the protein EPAS1, also known as HIF-2α, becomes activated through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, leading to increased inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs.
A key discovery of this research is the role of ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death driven by oxidative stress, which contributes to airway damage in asthma. The researchers combined bioinformatics with laboratory experiments to identify five genes linked to ferroptosis, with EPAS1 emerging as a crucial regulator.
Activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was shown to elevate EPAS1 levels, promoting oxidative stress and lung inflammation. When components of this pathway were blocked, the damaging effects were significantly reduced, pointing to potential new intervention strategies.
This research opens the possibility of developing targeted therapies that inhibit ferroptosis or block the JAK2/STAT3/EPAS1 axis, offering more precise treatment options for severe asthma. However, further studies are necessary to validate these targets and ensure the safety and efficacy of future drugs.
Understanding the involvement of cell death pathways like ferroptosis in asthma advances our knowledge of the disease's underlying biology. Such insights could lead to more personalized approaches, improving outcomes for patients with stubborn, treatment-resistant asthma.
More details can be found in the study published in Biomolecules and Biomedicine.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-reveal-jak2stat3epas1-axis-driver-severe.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Most US Children Enroll in Medicaid But Coverage Gaps Persist by Age 18
A comprehensive study shows that while most children in the US enroll in Medicaid or CHIP by age 18, many face coverage gaps, risking long-term access to essential health services amid recent policy changes.
Customized Antibiotic Dosing: Why Obesity Alters Drug Effectiveness
Emerging research reveals that obesity alters how antibiotics are processed in the body, highlighting the need for personalized dosing guidelines to improve infection treatment outcomes in obese patients.
AI Revolutionizes Prediction of Outcomes in Hospitalized Cirrhosis Patients
Artificial intelligence, through machine learning, is enhancing prediction accuracy for mortality risk in hospitalized cirrhosis patients, enabling better triage and personalized care. Discover how this innovation can transform liver disease management.
