Study on the changes of extracellular matrix morphology and components in COPD animal model by using lung decellularized scaffold

Airway remodeling is a critical pathological process that influences the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD）. To better study small airway remodeling in COPD, we employed advanced techniques such as decellularized scaffolds and proteomics to analyze compositional changes in the extracellular matrix（ECM）. Proteomic analysisidentified 70 differentially expressed proteins between the COPD group and the control group. These included 34 upregulated proteins such as Smarca2, Skt, Acvrl1, Myl2 (all with ratios > 10.64), and 36 downregulated proteins such as Col6a6, Col6a5, AnK3 (all with ratios < 0.27). Pathway analysis indicated activation of apoptosis (Enrichment Score, ES=0.23) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ES=0.38) genes, as well as inhibition of collagen synthesis (ES=-0.43) and degradation (ES=-0.63) genes were observed in the COPD group. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying airway remodeling and provide a scientific basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies for COPD.