Matrix metalloproteinase-7 is increased in lung bases but not apices in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

What is it about?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic scarring lung disease. It causes breathing difficulties due to the thickening of the lung tissue. The thickening starts at the bases of the lung and progresses upwards to the tops of the lungs over time and so tissue at the base of their lungs is more scarred (fibrosed) compared to the tissue at the tops. We think that identifying key differences between normal and less fibrosed/more fibrosed lung tissue of the same donors, we may be able to target processes occurring in earlier stage disease to develop more effective therapies.

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