Fibrosis is a condition where organs like the liver or lungs become scarred and stop working properly, similar to how a cut leaves a scar on the skin. Current treatments are limited because the main molecule causing fibrosis (TGF-β) is also needed for normal body functions. Our research explores how two specific signaling pathways—Notch and Runx-2—work together to drive fibrosis. Using human cells from the liver and lungs, we discovered that these pathways communicate with each other. When one is blocked, the other compensates, and when both are activated together, they create a cycle that makes fibrosis worse. Understanding this connection reveals a new target for developing more precise treatments for fibrosis, potentially helping patients with fewer side effects than current approache.

Альажи М., Паншин Д.Д., Малашичева А.Б. (науч. рук. Аль-Шехадат Р.И.) Functional crosstalk between notch and runx-2 signaling reveals a targetable axis in fibrosis // Сборник тезисов докладов конгресса молодых ученых. Электронное издание. – СПб: Университет ИТМО, [2026]. URL: https://kmu.itmo.ru/digests/article/16294