Innovative Strategy Targets Protein to Prevent Lung Tissue Changes in Asthma

Patients suffering from bronchial asthma often experience episodes of shortness of breath due to constricted airways. Traditionally, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to manage symptoms, but the precise relationship between inflammation and airway constriction remains unclear, and these treatments may eventually lose effectiveness. A significant challenge in asthma management is the progressive thickening of bronchial tissues caused by collagen buildup and the increase in mucus-producing goblet cells, which further obstruct airflow. Currently, there are no existing therapies specifically designed to counteract these structural changes.

Recent research from Ruhr University Bochum has introduced a promising new approach that directly targets a specific protein involved in airway remodeling. The study focused on a compound derived from Ardisia crenata, which binds to the Gq protein—a key player in the signaling pathways that lead to tissue thickening and mucus production. Unlike traditional therapies that target receptor molecules, this agent directly inhibits the Gq protein, potentially offering a more effective means to halt or reverse airway remodeling.

In experiments using a mouse model of chronic bronchial asthma, the compound was administered directly into the lungs over a five-week period. Results showed a notable decrease in tissue remodeling, with less collagen accumulation and fewer goblet cells detected in the bronchial tissues. Additional laboratory tests on human cells demonstrated that the agent slowed the growth of collagen-producing cells and reduced mucus secretion by lung cells, consistent with its potential to mitigate airway changes. These findings were further validated using lung tissue samples from individuals who had died from asthma.

Professor Daniela Wenzel emphasizes the significance of these findings, highlighting that the agent not only prevents structural changes but also reduces the extreme constriction of the bronchi, a hallmark of severe asthma attacks. Remarkably, once the agent binds to the Gq protein, it remains active for several days, which could translate into longer-lasting therapeutic effects compared to current treatments.

This innovative approach opens new avenues for managing asthma more effectively by preventing the progression of airway remodeling, one of the key factors in chronic and severe asthma. As research advances, targeting the Gq protein directly could become a cornerstone in future therapy options, offering hope for improved quality of life for those affected by the condition.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-approach-combating-asthma-bronchial-remodeling.html