MEOX1 triggers myofibroblast apoptosis resistance, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Abstract The apoptosis resistance of myofibroblasts is a hallmark in the irreversible progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). While the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we unveiled a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying myofibroblast apoptosis resistance during PF. Our investigation revealed heightened expression of mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and bleomycin‐induced PF mice. Silencing MEOX1 significantly attenuated PF progression in mice. In vitro , we found a notable increase in MEOX1 expression in transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced myofibroblasts. Silencing MEOX1 enhanced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. Mechanistically, we identified G‐protein signaling pathway regulatory factor 4 (RGS4) as a critical downstream target of MEOX1, as predicted by bioinformatics analysis. MEOX1 enhanced apoptosis resistance by upregulating RGS4 expression in myofibroblasts. In conclusion, our study highlights MEOX1 as a promising therapeutic target for protecting against PF by modulating myofibroblast apoptosis resistance.