1
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Tan YH, Wang KCW, Chin IL, Sanderson RW, Li J, Kennedy BF, Noble PB, Choi YS. Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304254. [PMID: 38593989 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein amount and composition of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) is often remodelled, likely altering tissue stiffness. The underlying mechanism of how human ASM cell (hASMC) mechanosenses the aberrant microenvironment is not well understood. Physiological stiffnesses of the ASM were measured by uniaxial compression tester using porcine ASM layers under 0, 5 and 10% longitudinal stretch above in situ length. Linear stiffness gradient hydrogels (230 kPa range) were fabricated and functionalized with ECM proteins, collagen I (ColI), fibronectin (Fn) and laminin (Ln), to recapitulate the above-measured range of stiffnesses. Overall, hASMC mechanosensation exhibited a clear correlation with the underlying hydrogel stiffness. Cell size, nuclear size and contractile marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression showed a strong correlation to substrate stiffness. Mechanosensation, assessed by Lamin-A intensity and nuc/cyto YAP, exhibited stiffness-mediated behaviour only on ColI and Fn-coated hydrogels. Inhibition studies using blebbistatin or Y27632 attenuated most mechanotransduction-derived cell morphological responses, αSMA and Lamin-A expression and nuc/cyto YAP (blebbistatin only). This study highlights the interplay and complexities between stiffness and ECM protein type on hASMC mechanosensation, relevant to airway remodelling in obstructive airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hwee Tan
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Kimberley C W Wang
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ian L Chin
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Rowan W Sanderson
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jiayue Li
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Brendan F Kennedy
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Grudziadzka 5, Torun, 87-100, Poland
| | - Peter B Noble
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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2
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Ba MA, Aiyuk A, Hernández K, Evasovic JM, Wuebbles RD, Burkin DJ, Singer CA. Transgenic overexpression of α7 integrin in smooth muscle attenuates allergen-induced airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. FASEB Bioadv 2022; 4:724-740. [PMID: 36349295 PMCID: PMC9635010 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2022-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways characterized by modulation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) function. Infiltration of smooth muscle by inflammatory mediators is partially regulated by transmembrane integrins and the major smooth muscle laminin receptor α7β1 integrin plays a critical role in the maintenance of ASM phenotype. The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of α7 integrin in asthma using smooth muscle-specific α7 integrin transgenic mice (TgSM-Itgα7) using both acute and chronic OVA sensitization and challenge protocols that mimic mild to severe asthmatic phenotypes. Transgenic over-expression of the α7 integrin in smooth muscle resulted in a significant decrease in airway resistance relative to controls, reduced the total number of inflammatory cells and substantially inhibited the production of crucial Th2 and Th17 cytokines in airways. This was accompanied by decreased secretion of various inflammatory chemokines such as eotaxin/CCL11, KC/CXCL3, MCP-1/CCL2, and MIP-1β/CCL4. Additionally, α7 integrin overexpression significantly decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the lungs of TgSM-Itgα7 mice and affected proliferative, contractile, and inflammatory downstream effectors of ERK1/2 that drive smooth muscle phenotype in the lung. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that enhanced expression of α7 integrin in vivo inhibits allergic inflammation and airway resistance. Moreover, we identify ERK1/2 as a potential target by which α7 integrin signals to regulate airway inflammation. We conclude that identification of therapeutics targeting an increase in smooth muscle α7 integrin expression could serve as a potential novel treatment for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam A. Ba
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Annemarie Aiyuk
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Karla Hernández
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Jon M. Evasovic
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Ryan D. Wuebbles
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Dean J. Burkin
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
| | - Cherie A. Singer
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Nevada School of MedicineRenoNevadaUSA
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3
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Joseph C, Tatler AL. Pathobiology of Airway Remodeling in Asthma: The Emerging Role of Integrins. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:595-610. [PMID: 35592385 PMCID: PMC9112045 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s267222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling is a complex clinical feature of asthma that involves long-term disruption and modification of airway architecture, which contributes significantly to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung function decline. It is characterized by thickening of the airway smooth muscle layer, deposition of a matrix below the airway epithelium, resulting in subepithelial fibrosis, changes within the airway epithelium, leading to disruption of the barrier, and excessive mucous production and angiogenesis within the airway wall. Airway remodeling contributes to stiffer and less compliant airways in asthma and leads to persistent, irreversible airflow obstruction. Current asthma treatments aim to reduce airway inflammation and exacerbations but none are targeted towards airway remodeling. Inhibiting the development of airway remodeling or reversing established remodeling has the potential to dramatically improve symptoms and disease burden in asthmatic patients. Integrins are a family of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that serve as the primary receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, mediating cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions to initiate intracellular signaling cascades. Cells present within the lungs, including structural and inflammatory cells, express a wide and varying range of integrin heterodimer combinations and permutations. Integrins are emerging as an important regulator of inflammation, repair, remodeling, and fibrosis in the lung, particularly in chronic lung diseases such as asthma. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge on integrins in the asthmatic airway and how these integrins promote the remodeling process, and emphasize their potential involvement in airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Joseph
- Centre for Respiratory Research, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amanda L Tatler
- Centre for Respiratory Research, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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4
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Dekkers BG, Saad SI, van Spelde LJ, Burgess JK. Basement membranes in obstructive pulmonary diseases. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 12:100092. [PMID: 34877523 PMCID: PMC8632995 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Basement membrane composition is changed in the airways of patients with obstructive airway diseases. Basement membrane changes are linked to disease characteristics in patients. Mechanisms behind the altered BM composition remain to be elucidated. Laminin and collagen IV affect key pathological processes in obstructive airway diseases.
Increased and changed deposition of extracellular matrix proteins is a key feature of airway wall remodeling in obstructive pulmonary diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Studies have highlighted that the deposition of various basement membrane proteins in the lung tissue is altered and that these changes reflect tissue compartment specificity. Inflammatory responses in both diseases may result in the deregulation of production and degradation of these proteins. In addition to their role in tissue development and integrity, emerging evidence indicates that basement membrane proteins also actively modulate cellular processes in obstructive airway diseases, contributing to disease development, progression and maintenance. In this review, we summarize the changes in basement membrane composition in airway remodeling in obstructive airway diseases and explore their potential application as innovative targets for treatment development.
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Key Words
- ADAM9, a metalloproteinase domain 9
- ASM, airway smooth muscle
- Airway inflammation
- Airway remodeling
- Asthma
- BM, basement membrane
- COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Col IV, collagen IV
- Collagen IV
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- LN, laminin
- Laminin
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- TIMP, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase
- Th2, T helper 2
- VSM, vascular smooth muscle
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart G.J. Dekkers
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Shehab I. Saad
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leah J. van Spelde
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, Groningen, The Netherlands
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5
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Tam JKC, Tran T. Plk1 in Asthma - Ready for Primetime? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 66:124-125. [PMID: 34748723 PMCID: PMC8845140 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0425ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thai Tran
- National University of Singapore, 37580, Physiology, Singapore, Singapore;
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6
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Mao C, Ma Z, Jia Y, Li W, Xie N, Zhao G, Ma B, Yu F, Sun J, Zhou Y, Cui Q, Fu Y, Kong W. Nidogen-2 Maintains the Contractile Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Prevents Neointima Formation via Bridging Jagged1-Notch3 Signaling. Circulation 2021; 144:1244-1261. [PMID: 34315224 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.053361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: How the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment modulates the contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and confers vascular homeostasis remains elusive. Methods: To explore the key ECM proteins in the maintenance of the contractile phenotype of VSMCs, we applied protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to explore novel ECM proteins associated with the VSMC phenotype. By combining in vitro and in vivo genetic mice vascular injury model, we identified nidogen-2, a basement membrane (BM) glycoprotein, as a key ECM protein for maintenance of vascular smooth muscle cell identity. Results: We collected a VSMC phenotype-related gene dataset (VSMCPRG dataset) by using Gene Ontology (GO) annotation combined with a literature search. A computational analysis of protein-protein interactions between ECM protein genes and the genes from the VSMCPRG dataset revealed the candidate gene nidogen-2, a BM glycoprotein involved in regulation of the VSMC phenotype. Indeed, nidogen-2-deficient VSMCs exhibited loss of contractile phenotype in vitro, and compared with wild-type (WT) mice, nidogen-2-/- mice showed aggravated post-wire injury neointima formation of carotid arteries. Further bioinformatics analysis, co-immunoprecipitation assays and luciferase assays revealed that nidogen-2 specifically interacted with Jagged1, a conventional Notch ligand. Nidogen-2 maintained the VSMC contractile phenotype via Jagged1-Notch3 signaling but not Notch1 or Notch2 signaling. Notably, nidogen-2 enhanced Jagged1 and Notch3 interaction and subsequent Notch3 activation. Reciprocally, Jagged1 and Notch3 interaction, signaling activation, and Jagged1-triggered VSMC differentiation were significantly repressed in nidogen-2-deficient VSMCs. In accordance, the suppressive effect of Jagged1 overexpression on neointima formation was attenuated in nidogen-2-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Conclusions: Nidogen-2 maintains the contractile phenotype of VSMCs through Jagged1-Notch3 signaling in vitro and in vivo. Nidogen-2 is required for Jagged1-Notch3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfeng Mao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Jia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Weihao Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Baihui Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Kong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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7
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Baarsma HA, Han B, Poppinga WJ, Driessen S, Elzinga CRS, Halayko AJ, Meurs H, Maarsingh H, Schmidt M. Disruption of AKAP-PKA Interaction Induces Hypercontractility With Concomitant Increase in Proliferation Markers in Human Airway Smooth Muscle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:165. [PMID: 32328490 PMCID: PMC7160303 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
With the ability to switch between proliferative and contractile phenotype, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells can contribute to the progression of airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in which airway obstruction is associated with ASM hypertrophy and hypercontractility. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) have emerged as important regulatory molecules in various tissues, including ASM cells. AKAPs can anchor the regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PKA), and guide cellular localization via various targeting domains. Here we investigated whether disruption of the AKAP-PKA interaction, by the cell permeable peptide stearated (st)-Ht31, alters human ASM proliferation and contractility. Treatment of human ASM with st-Ht31 enhanced the expression of protein markers associated with cell proliferation in both cultured cells and intact tissue, although this was not accompanied by an increase in cell viability or cell-cycle progression, suggesting that disruption of AKAP-PKA interaction on its own is not sufficient to drive ASM cell proliferation. Strikingly, st-Ht31 enhanced contractile force generation in human ASM tissue with concomitant upregulation of the contractile protein α-sm-actin. This upregulation of α-sm-actin was independent of mRNA stability, transcription or translation, but was dependent on proteasome function, as the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 prevented the st-Ht31 effect. Collectively, the AKAP-PKA interaction appears to regulate markers of the multi-functional capabilities of ASM, and this alter the physiological function, such as contractility, suggesting potential to contribute to the pathophysiology of airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoeke A Baarsma
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wilfred J Poppinga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Saskia Driessen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Carolina R S Elzinga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Herman Meurs
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harm Maarsingh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL, United States
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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8
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Prabhala P, Wright DB, Robbe P, Bitter C, Pera T, Ten Hacken NHT, van den Berge M, Timens W, Meurs H, Dekkers BGJ. Laminin α4 contributes to airway remodeling and inflammation in asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 317:L768-L777. [PMID: 31553662 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00222.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway inflammation and remodeling are characteristic features of asthma, with both contributing to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung function limitation. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition are characteristic features of airway remodeling, which may contribute to persistent AHR. Laminins containing the α2-chain contribute to characteristics of ASM remodeling in vitro and AHR in animal models of asthma. The role of other laminin chains, including the laminin α4 and α5 chains, which contribute to leukocyte migration in other diseases, is currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of these laminin chains in ASM function and in AHR, remodeling, and inflammation in asthma. Expression of both laminin α4 and α5 was observed in the human and mouse ASM bundle. In vitro, laminin α4 was found to promote a pro-proliferative, pro-contractile, and pro-fibrotic ASM cell phenotype. In line with this, treatment with laminin α4 and α5 function-blocking antibodies reduced allergen-induced increases in ASM mass in a mouse model of allergen-induced asthma. Moreover, eosinophilic inflammation was reduced by the laminin α4 function-blocking antibody as well. Using airway biopsies from healthy subjects and asthmatic patients, we found inverse correlations between ASM α4-chain expression and lung function and AHR, whereas eosinophil numbers correlated positively with expression of laminin α4 in the ASM bundle. This study, for the first time, indicates a prominent role for laminin α4 in ASM function and in inflammation, AHR, and remodeling in asthma, whereas the role of laminin α5 is more subtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Prabhala
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David B Wright
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Robbe
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catrin Bitter
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tonio Pera
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nick H T Ten Hacken
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Meurs
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart G J Dekkers
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Teoh CM, Tan SSL, Langenbach SY, Wong AH, Cheong DHJ, Tam JKC, New CS, Tran T. Integrin α7 expression is increased in asthmatic patients and its inhibition reduces Kras protein abundance in airway smooth muscle cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9892. [PMID: 31289310 PMCID: PMC6616330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells exhibit plastic phenotypic behavior marked by reversible modulation and maturation between contractile and proliferative phenotypic states. Integrins are a class of transmembrane proteins that have been implicated as novel therapeutic targets for asthma treatment. We previously showed that integrin α7 is a novel marker of the contractile ASM phenotype suggesting that targeting this protein may offer new avenues to counter the increase in ASM cell mass that underlies airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. We now determine whether inhibition of integrin α7 expression would revert ASM cells back to a proliferative phenotype to cause an increase in ASM cell mass. This would be detrimental to asthmatic patients who already exhibit increased ASM mass in their airways. Using immunohistochemical analysis of the Melbourne Epidemiological Study of Childhood Asthma (MESCA) cohort, we show for the first time that integrin α7 expression in patients with severe asthma is increased, supporting a clinically relevant role for this protein in asthma pathophysiology. Moreover, inhibition of the laminin-integrin α7 signaling axis results in a reduction in smooth muscle-alpha actin abundance and does not revert ASM cells back to a proliferative phenotype. We determined that integrin α7-induced Kras isoform of p21 Ras acts as a point of convergence between contractile and proliferative ASM phenotypic states. Our study provides further support for targeting integrin α7 for the development of novel anti-asthma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Ming Teoh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheryl S L Tan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shenna Y Langenbach
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda H Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John K C Tam
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chih Sheng New
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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10
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Teoh CM, Tan SSL, Tran T. Integrins as Therapeutic Targets for Respiratory Diseases. Curr Mol Med 2016; 15:714-34. [PMID: 26391549 PMCID: PMC5427774 DOI: 10.2174/1566524015666150921105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are a large family of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that constitute the main receptors for extracellular matrix components. Integrins were initially thought to be primarily involved in the maintenance of cell adhesion and tissue integrity. However, it is now appreciated that integrins play important roles in many other biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell shape and polarity. Lung cells express numerous combinations and permutations of integrin heterodimers. The complexity and diversity of different integrin heterodimers being implicated in different lung diseases present a major challenge for drug development. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of integrins from studies in cell culture to integrin knockout mouse models and provide an update of results from clinical trials for which integrins are therapeutic targets with a focus on respiratory diseases (asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - T Tran
- Department of Physiology, MD9, 2 Medical Drive, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
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11
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Qiao Y, Tam JKC, Tan SSL, Tai YK, Chin CY, Stewart AG, Ashman L, Sekiguchi K, Langenbach SY, Stelmack G, Halayko AJ, Tran T. CD151, a laminin receptor showing increased expression in asthmatic patients, contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness through calcium signaling. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:82-92.e5. [PMID: 27233153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction underpins airway constriction; however, underlying mechanisms for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) remain incompletely defined. CD151, a 4-transmembrane glycoprotein that associates with laminin-binding integrins, is highly expressed in the human lung. The role of CD151 in ASM function and its relationship to asthma have yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE We sought to ascertain whether CD151 expression is clinically relevant to asthma and whether CD151 expression affects AHR. METHODS Using immunohistochemical analysis, we determined the expression of CD151 in human bronchial biopsy specimens from patients with varying asthma severities and studied the mechanism of action of CD151 in the regulation of ASM contraction and bronchial caliber in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. RESULTS The number of CD151+ ASM cells is significantly greater in patients with moderate asthma compared with those in healthy nonasthmatic subjects. From loss- and gain-of-function studies, we reveal that CD151 is required for and enhances G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-induced peak intracellular calcium release, the primary determinant of excitation-contraction coupling. We show that the localization of CD151 can also be perinuclear/cytoplasmic and offer an explanation for a novel functional role for CD151 in supporting protein kinase C (PKC) translocation to the cell membrane in GPCR-mediated ASM contraction at this site. Importantly, CD151-/- mice are refractory to airway hyperreactivity in response to allergen challenge. CONCLUSIONS We identify a role for CD151 in human ASM contraction. We implicate CD151 as a determinant of AHR in vivo, likely through regulation of GPCR-induced calcium and PKC signaling. These observations have significant implications in understanding the mechanism for AHR and the efficacy of new and emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Qiao
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - John Kit Chung Tam
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheryl S L Tan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Kit Tai
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chin Yein Chin
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leonie Ashman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Shenna Y Langenbach
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gerald Stelmack
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Biology of Breathing Theme, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Biology of Breathing Theme, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Zhou DY, Fang SR, Zou CF, Zhang Q, Gu W. Proanthocyanidin from Grape Seed Extract Inhibits Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma. Nat Prod Commun 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1501000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Our previous study revealed that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) could inhibit asthmatic airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness by down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase in a murine model of acute asthma. The present study aimed to evaluate GSPE's effects on airway inflammation and airway remodeling in a chronic asthmatic model. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and then were challenged three times a week for 8 weeks. Airway responsiveness was measured at 24 h after the last OVA challenge. HE staining, PAS staining, and Masson staining were used to observe any airway inflammation in the lung tissue, airway mucus secretion, and subepithelial fibrosis, respectively. The cytokines levels in the lavage fluid (BALF) in addition to the total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were detected by ELISA. Furthermore, lung collagen contents, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in the airway were assessed by hydroxyproline assay, immunohistochemistry, andWestern blot analysis, respectively. GSPE administration significantly suppressed airway resistance as well as reduced the amount of inflammatory cells, especially the eosinophil count, in BALF. Additionally, the GSPE treatment markedly decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in BALF in addition to the total serum IgE levels. A histological examination demonstrated that GSPE significantly ameliorated allergen-induced lung eosinophilic inflammation and decreased PAS-positive epithelial cells in the airway. The elevated hydroxyproline contents, lung α-SMA contents, and TGF-β1 protein expression that were observed in the OVA mice were also inhibited by GSPE. In conclusion, GSPE could inhibit airway inflammation and airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma, thus providing a potential treatment for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Yang Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Su-Rong Fang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Chun-Fang Zou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210001, China
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13
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Integrins: therapeutic targets in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodelling? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:567-74. [PMID: 25441775 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are a group of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Integrins have been under intense investigation for their role in inflammation in asthma. Clinical trials investigating integrin antagonists, however, have shown that these compounds are relatively ineffective. Airway remodelling is another pathological feature of asthma that is thought to make an important contribution to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung function decline. Recent studies have identified integrins as important players in this process, with a particular role for β1 and αv integrins. Here we review the role of these integrins in airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in obstructive airway disease and their potential as pharmacological targets for future treatment.
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14
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Yao Y, Norris EH, Strickland S. The cellular origin of laminin determines its role in blood pressure regulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:999-1008. [PMID: 25216704 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1732-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Laminin of different cellular sources has distinct functions. In addition to vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), aorta also contains a small population of nestin(+) cells, whose function remains unknown. This study investigates the role of SMC- and nestin(+) cell-derived laminin in blood pressure (BP) regulation and SMC contractibility. Using mice with laminin deficiency in SMCs (SKO) or nestin(+) cells (NKO), we examined laminin-dependent changes in BP. Contractile protein expression was reduced in SKO but not NKO mice, consistent with their, respectively, low and normal baseline BP measurements. At the ultrastructural level, SKO SMCs maintained the contractile phenotype with reduced elasticity, whereas NKO SMCs switched to the synthetic phenotype and showed degeneration. Additionally, angiotensin II (Ang II) significantly increased BP in SKO but not NKO mice. It also enhanced contractile proteins to the same levels and induced SMC degeneration in both knockout mice. These data suggest that SMC laminin regulates BP via modulating contractile protein expression, whereas nestin(+) cell-derived laminin contributes to SMC phenotypic switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, Box 169, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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15
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Tan SSL, Ong B, Cheng C, Ho WE, Tam JKC, Stewart AG, Harris T, Wong WSF, Tran T. The antimalarial drug artesunate inhibits primary human cultured airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2014; 50:451-8. [PMID: 24066853 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2013-0273oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell hyperplasia contributes to airway wall remodeling (AWR) in asthma. Glucocorticoids, which are used as first-line therapy for the treatment of inflammation in asthma, have limited impact on AWR, and protracted usage of high doses of glucocorticoids is associated with an increased risk of side effects. Moreover, patients with severe asthma often show reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Artesunate, a semisynthetic artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria with minimal toxicity, attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice, but its impact on AWR is not known. We examined the effects of artesunate on ASM proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Primary human ASM cells derived from nonasthmatic donors were treated with artesunate before mitogen stimulation. Artesunate reduced mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number and cyclin D1 protein abundance but had no significant effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited phospho-Akt and phospho-p70(S6K) protein abundance. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number, cyclin D1, and phospho-Akt protein abundance on ASM cells derived from asthmatic donors. In a murine model of allergic asthma, artesunate reduced the area of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and decreased cyclin D1 protein abundance. Our study provides a basis for the future development of artesunate as a novel anti-AWR agent that targets ASM hyperplasia via the PI3K/Akt/p70(S6K) pathway and suggests that artesunate may be used as combination therapy with glucocorticoids.
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Prakash YS. Airway smooth muscle in airway reactivity and remodeling: what have we learned? Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L912-33. [PMID: 24142517 PMCID: PMC3882535 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00259.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now established that airway smooth muscle (ASM) has roles in determining airway structure and function, well beyond that as the major contractile element. Indeed, changes in ASM function are central to the manifestation of allergic, inflammatory, and fibrotic airway diseases in both children and adults, as well as to airway responses to local and environmental exposures. Emerging evidence points to novel signaling mechanisms within ASM cells of different species that serve to control diverse features, including 1) [Ca(2+)]i contractility and relaxation, 2) cell proliferation and apoptosis, 3) production and modulation of extracellular components, and 4) release of pro- vs. anti-inflammatory mediators and factors that regulate immunity as well as the function of other airway cell types, such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These diverse effects of ASM "activity" result in modulation of bronchoconstriction vs. bronchodilation relevant to airway hyperresponsiveness, airway thickening, and fibrosis that influence compliance. This perspective highlights recent discoveries that reveal the central role of ASM in this regard and helps set the stage for future research toward understanding the pathways regulating ASM and, in turn, the influence of ASM on airway structure and function. Such exploration is key to development of novel therapeutic strategies that influence the pathophysiology of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Prakash
- Dept. of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, 4-184 W Jos SMH, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
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