Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics of Lung Disease

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 1413

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Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
Interests: Ras mutations; Ras targeting inhibitor; resistance to Ras inhibition; potential combination therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Respiratory diseases are extremely diverse and include infectious diseases, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, and more. Each condition presents unique and complex challenges. In recent years, diagnosis and treatment in these areas have steadily evolved and are poised for continued development. By gathering studies to share and discuss latest findings in this Special Issue, we hope to spark a movement in research and development, leading to new diagnostic and treatment methods and bringing about major changes.

The keyword for this Special Issue is "exchange". For each field to evolve, the true nature of a disease must be identified. To uncover this, various ideas must be developed, and hypotheses must be formulated and proven. New trends can be created by engaging in this Special Issue. Hypothesis and proof are the essence of medical research. Let us gather, discuss, and consider the mystery of the respiratory system.

We believe that the results will not only contribute to the development of this Special Issue but will also contribute to appropriate medical treatment and the provision of safe and secure medical care.

We hope to make this Special Issue a success together with all of you. We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Toshimitsu Yamaoka
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pulmonary diseases
  • diagnostics
  • therapeutics

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2154 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Influence of CHI3L1 and PI3 Methylation in Allergic and Nonallergic Asthma
by Selene Baos, Lucía Cremades-Jimeno, María Ángeles de Pedro, María López-Ramos, Rubén Fernández-Santamaría, Cristina Rosales-Ariza, Joaquín Quiralte, Fernando Florido, Nicolás González-Mangado, María Jesús Rodríguez-Nieto, Germán Peces-Barba, Joaquín Sastre and Blanca Cárdaba
Biomolecules 2025, 15(10), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15101363 - 25 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Previously, we defined CHI3L1 and PI3 as genes related with asthma and severity by analysis of differential gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of DNA methylation in their regulation, and their relationship with protein levels and clinical parameters. Peripheral blood [...] Read more.
Previously, we defined CHI3L1 and PI3 as genes related with asthma and severity by analysis of differential gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of DNA methylation in their regulation, and their relationship with protein levels and clinical parameters. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and sera were collected from healthy controls (HCs), nonallergic asthmatic (NA), and allergic asthmatic (AA) patients. RNA and DNA were extracted from PBMCs using the trizol method. Gene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, and DNA methylation of CpG sites near the promoters was analyzed using sodium bisulfite treatment followed by PCR amplification. DNA methylation analysis was performed using the Sequenom EpiTYPER platform. Protein levels were quantified by ELISA, and statistical analyses were carried out using GraphPad software. Consistent with previous findings, CHI3L1 and PI3 gene expression were significantly lower in asthmatic patients compared to controls. Conversely, CHI3L1 protein levels were higher in both patient groups, while PI3 protein showed no significant changes. DNA methylation analysis revealed higher overall DNA methylation percentages in NA and AA patients for both genes compared to HCs. Despite this, no significant correlations were observed between DNA methylation and gene or protein expression, although some correlations were observed with clinical parameters. In conclusion, CHI3L1 and PI3 represent potential asthma biomarkers, whose regulation may be partially influenced by DNA methylation, a mechanism more pronounced in asthmatic patients than in healthy subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics of Lung Disease)
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Review

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21 pages, 939 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Development and Clinical Use of HER2 Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Richy Ekyalongo, Toshimitsu Yamaoka and Junji Tsurutani
Biomolecules 2025, 15(10), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15101443 - 12 Oct 2025
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Alterations in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene are well-recognized oncogenic drivers and therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first anti-HER2 inhibitor, trastuzumab-deruxtecan, was approved for previously treated advanced NSCLC with HER2 mutations, which accounts [...] Read more.
Alterations in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene are well-recognized oncogenic drivers and therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first anti-HER2 inhibitor, trastuzumab-deruxtecan, was approved for previously treated advanced NSCLC with HER2 mutations, which accounts for 2–4% of NSCLC. The first anti-HER2 antibody, trastuzumab, was approved for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in 1998, and a combination therapy comprising trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel demonstrated efficacy in the first-line setting. Some EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been evaluated as pan-HER TKIs but have shown limited benefits in HER2-altered NSCLC. However, HER2-specific TKIs, such as zongertinib and BAY2927088, have demonstrated encouraging results. Zongertinib was the first HER2-specific TKI to be approved by the FDA in 2025 for previously treated ERBB2-mutated advanced NSCLC. In this narrative review, we have summarized the latest research on the biology of HER2 signaling, HER2 alterations, HER2-targeting therapies, and challenges of treating HER2-overexpressing or -mutated NSCLC. Despite different targets of HER2 mutations in NSCLC and HER2 amplification/overexpression in breast cancer, the development of HER2-targeting agents has been more advanced in breast cancer than in NSCLC. Therefore, pivotal clinical studies in breast cancer may help in identifying more effective therapies for NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics of Lung Disease)
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