Role of PTCH1 receptor polymorphisms in the SHH signalling pathway as determinants of COPD severity and functional impairment.
BACKGROUND Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multifactorial disorder influenced by environmental exposures and genetic factors. The Hedgehog signaling pathway, particularly the PTCH1 receptor, plays a critical role in lung development, epithelial repair, and airway remodeling. However, its genetic contr...