Identifying Molecular Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Options in Iatrogenic Tracheal Stenosis

TL;DR

This study explores the genetic basis of difficult-to-treat tracheal stenosis and identifies retinoic acid as a potential new treatment.

Contribution

First study to link retinoic acid deficiency and hyperkeratinization to iatrogenic tracheal stenosis pathophysiology.

Findings

Gene dysregulation in ITS is linked to hyperkeratinization and reduced cell cycle regulation.

Retinoic acid metabolism is disrupted, suggesting local deficiency in affected tissues.

Retinoic acid may regulate seven of the ten most dysregulated genes, making it a promising therapy.

Abstract

Introduction: While most patients with iatrogenic tracheal stenosis (ITS) respond to endoscopic ablative procedures, approximately 15% experience a recalcitrant, recurring disease course that is resistant to conventional management. We aimed to explore genetic profiles of patients with recalcitrant ITS to understand underlying pathophysiology and identify novel therapeutic options. Methods: We collected 11 samples of granulation tissue from patients with ITS and performed RNA sequencing. We identified the top 10 most highly up- and down-regulated genes and cellular processes that these genes corresponded to. For the most highly dysregulated genes, we identified potential therapeutic options that favorably regulate their expression. Results: The dysregulations in gene expression corresponded to hyperkeratinization (upregulation of genes involved in keratin production and keratinocyte differentiation) and cellular proliferation (downregulation of cell cycle regulating and pro-apoptotic genes). Genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) metabolism and signaling were dysregulated in a pattern suggesting local cellular RA deficiency. Consequently, RA also emerged as the most promising potential therapeutic option for ITS, as it favorably regulated seven of the ten most highly dysregulated genes. Conclusion: This is the first study to characterize the role of hyperkeratinization and dysregulations in RA metabolism and signaling in the disease pathophysiology. Given the ability of RA to favorably regulate key genes involved in ITS, future studies must explore its efficacy as a potential therapeutic option for patients with recalcitrant ITS.

Figures