AnxA2-EGFR pro-inflammatory signaling potentiates EMT-induced fibrotic stress and its modulation by short-chain fatty acid butyrate in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, leading to irreversible lung scarring. This study explores the underlying molecular mechanisms of IPF and delves into membrane-anchored synergism between EGFR and AnxA2, which amplifies fibrotic stress and plays a pivotal role in promoting pulmonary fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Indeed, these interactions create a synergistic effect that promotes the loss of epithelial traits and the transition to a mesenchymal phenotype, thereby contributing to fibrotic stress and disease progression. In addition, this study also explores the potential of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, as a therapeutic agent in reducing fibrotic stress by modulating AnxA2-EGFR signaling. Pre-treatment with butyrate significantly dampens AnxA2-EGFR signaling and Galectin-3 expression, effectively curbing prolonged EGFR phosphorylation. The suppression of upstream signaling leads to a reduction in the angiogenic marker VEGF and a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6. Collectively, our findings highlight the critical role of EGFR-AnxA2 signaling and Galectin 3 in the pathogenesis of IPF, and highlight butyrate as a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating fibrotic stress.