1463-Circular RNA FCHO2 Drives Airway Remodeling

Paper Talk · Aug 20, 2026 · 20m

This research identifies circFCHO2 as a major pathogenic driver of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The study demonstrates that this circular RNA is significantly upregulated in human patients, mouse models, and cells exposed to cigarette smoke. Mechanistically, circFCHO2 facilitates the nuclear translocation of the protein PTBP1, which subsequently interferes with the splicing of GRN pre-mRNA. This process results in a deficiency of progranulin (PGRN), a protective protein that normally suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway. The resulting activation of NF-κB triggers airway…