Recent research has uncovered a novel link between clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), independent of traditional risk factors, such as smoking and genetic predispositions. Specifically, somatic mutations in the ASXL1 gene, commonly associated with CH, disrupt chromatin remodeling and promote inflammatory responses, thereby increasing susceptibility to COPD. These findings bridge hematology and pulmonology, offering new insights into COPD pathogenesis and risk prediction.
This research integrates large-scale genetic studies and mouse models to explore the role of ASXL1 mutations in COPD. The research uses biobank data to examine the relationship between ASXL1-mutant CH and COPD across a diverse population, while also leveraging mouse models to study the mechanistic effects of these mutations. By focusing on inflammatory pathways and potential therapeutic targets, this work could pave the way for innovative treatments and improved risk stratification for COPD, offering promising new avenues for both prevention and management.
Reference: Miller P. Uncovering the Link Between Clonal Hematopoiesis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. HCPLive. Published April 18, 2025. Accessed May 2, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/uncovering-the-link-clonal-hematopoiesis-copd
Link: https://www.hcplive.com/view/uncovering-the-link-clonal-hematopoiesis-copd
