Emphysema susceptibility is modulated by the epigenetic regulator HMGN5

Einleitung: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic bronchitis, small airway remodeling and emphysema. Emphysema is the destruction of alveolar structures, leading to enlarged air spaces and reduced surface area impairing the ability for gaseous exchange. Smoking remains the main environmental risk factor for COPD, however, genetic factors also have a great impact on COPD susceptibility. We previously detected spontaneous emphysema development in HMGN5 deficient mice. HMGN5 binds to the nucleosomal core particle of chromatin, competing with histone H1, thus altering chromatin str…