Evaluation and Characterization of Acute respiratory distress syndrome in tree shrews through TMT proteomic method.

Summary

Using TMT-based proteomics in a tree shrew ARDS model, the authors identified 4,070 proteins and 529 differentially expressed proteins, enriching oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and endothelial injury pathways. Key proteins (CP, HPX, SphK1, LTF, MPO) were upregulated and validated, providing a translational resource for ARDS biomarker and target discovery.

Key Findings

• Identified 4,070 proteins (p<0.05) from LPS-induced and control lungs; 529 DEPs (304 up, 225 down; ≥1.5-fold).
• Pathway enrichment implicated oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and vascular endothelial injury.
• Upregulation of CP, HPX, SphK1, LTF, and MPO was confirmed by western blot in induced tissues.

Clinical Implications

While preclinical, these datasets may inform biomarker panels and candidate pathways for therapeutic targeting in ARDS.

Limitations

• Single-hit LPS model may not capture ARDS heterogeneity
• Functional validation and sample size details are limited

Future Directions

Integrate proteomics with transcriptomics/metabolomics; validate biomarkers in clinical ARDS cohorts; test pathway-targeted interventions in vivo.