Collagen Fingerprinting for Stratification of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Patients

Chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to pulmonary hypertension. This serious complication involves increased pressure in the lung vessels, which strains the heart and worsens outcomes. Since the early symptoms are unclear, diagnosis often occurs too late, underscoring the need for simple, noninvasive methods of early detection. A key driver of the disease is vascular remodeling, which involves the narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels. This process involves changes in the extracellular matrix, particularly in the understudied basement membrane. Our project examines how specific components, especially non-classical collagens, change during disease progression. As vessels remodel, detectable fragments enter the bloodstream, potentially creating a molecular fingerprint of the disease. By analyzing lung tissue and blood samples, the investigators aim to identify non-invasive biomarkers for earlier diagnosis, better patient classification, and more personalized treatment.