1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin C, Yang H, Luo Q, Liu Q. FAK mediates hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by modulating mitochondrial transcription termination factor 1/cyclin D1. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13767. [PMID: 38488492 PMCID: PMC10941516 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of FAK-dependent hypoxia-induced proliferation on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs). Primary HPASMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro under normal and hypoxia conditions to assess cell proliferation with cell counting kit-8. FAK and mitochondrial transcription termination factor 1 (mTERF1) were silenced with siRNA, mRNA, and protein levels of FAK, mTERF1, and cyclin D1 were determined. HPASMC proliferation increased under hypoxia compared to normal conditions. Knocking down FAK or mTERF1 with siRNA led to decreased cell proliferation under both normal and hypoxia conditions. FAK knockdown led to the reduction of both mTERF1 and cyclin D1 expressions under the hypoxia conditions, whereas mTERF1 knockdown led to the downregulation of cyclin D1 expression but not FAK expression under the same condition. However, under normal conditions, knocking down either FAK or mTERF1 had no impact on cyclin D1 expression. These results suggested that FAK may regulate the mTERF1/cyclin D1 signaling pathway to modulate cell proliferation in hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineYueyang People's Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityYueyangChina
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineYueyang People's Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityYueyangChina
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineYueyang People's Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityYueyangChina
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineYueyang People's Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityYueyangChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang W, Wu Y, J Gunst S. Membrane adhesion junctions regulate airway smooth muscle phenotype and function. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2321-2347. [PMID: 36796098 PMCID: PMC10243546 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00020.2022] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The local environment surrounding airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells has profound effects on the physiological and phenotypic properties of ASM tissues. ASM is continually subjected to the mechanical forces generated during breathing and to the constituents of its surrounding extracellular milieu. The smooth muscle cells within the airways continually modulate their properties to adapt to these changing environmental influences. Smooth muscle cells connect to the extracellular cell matrix (ECM) at membrane adhesion junctions that provide mechanical coupling between smooth muscle cells within the tissue. Membrane adhesion junctions also sense local environmental signals and transduce them to cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling pathways in the ASM cell. Adhesion junctions are composed of clusters of transmembrane integrin proteins that bind to ECM proteins outside the cell and to large multiprotein complexes in the submembranous cytoplasm. Physiological conditions and stimuli from the surrounding ECM are sensed by integrin proteins and transduced by submembranous adhesion complexes to signaling pathways to the cytoskeleton and nucleus. The transmission of information between the local environment of the cells and intracellular processes enables ASM cells to rapidly adapt their physiological properties to modulating influences in their extracellular environment: mechanical and physical forces that impinge on the cell, ECM constituents, local mediators, and metabolites. The structure and molecular organization of adhesion junction complexes and the actin cytoskeleton are dynamic and constantly changing in response to environmental influences. The ability of ASM to rapidly accommodate to the ever-changing conditions and fluctuating physical forces within its local environment is essential for its normal physiological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Yidi Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Susan J Gunst
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nizamoglu M, Burgess JK. Current possibilities and future opportunities provided by three-dimensional lung ECM-derived hydrogels. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1154193. [PMID: 36969853 PMCID: PMC10034771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), the scaffold that provides support, biochemical and biomechanical cues, is emerging as a key element underlying lung diseases. We readily acknowledge that the lung is a flexible, relatively soft tissue that is three dimensional (3D) in structure, hence a need exists to develop in vitro model systems that reflect these properties. Lung ECM-derived hydrogels have recently emerged as a model system that mimics native lung physiology; they contain most of the plethora of biochemical components in native lung, as well as reflecting the biomechanics of native tissue. Research investigating the contribution of cell:matrix interactions to acute and chronic lung diseases has begun adopting these models but has yet to harness their full potential. This perspective article provides insight about the latest advances in the development, modification, characterization and utilization of lung ECM-derived hydrogels. We highlight some opportunities for expanding research incorporating lung ECM-derived hydrogels and potential improvements for the current approaches. Expanding the capabilities of investigations using lung ECM-derived hydrogels is positioned at a cross roads of disciplines, the path to new and innovative strategies for unravelling disease underlying mechanisms will benefit greatly from interdisciplinary approaches. While challenges need to be addressed before the maximum potential can be unlocked, with the rapid pace at which this field is evolving, we are close to a future where faster, more efficient and safer drug development targeting the disrupted 3D microenvironment is possible using lung ECM-derived hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Janette K. Burgess,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Airway Smooth Muscle Regulated by Oxidative Stress in COPD. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010142. [PMID: 36671004 PMCID: PMC9854973 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Since COPD is a heterogeneous disease, a specific anti-inflammatory therapy for this disease has not been established yet. Oxidative stress is recognized as a major predisposing factor to COPD related inflammatory responses, resulting in pathological features of small airway fibrosis and emphysema. However, little is known about effects of oxidative stress on airway smooth muscle. Cigarette smoke increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration and enhances response to muscarinic agonists in human airway smooth muscle. Cigarette smoke also enhances proliferation of these cells with altered mitochondrial protein. Hydrogen peroxide and 8-isoprostans are increased in the exhaled breath condensate in COPD. These endogenous oxidants cause contraction of tracheal smooth muscle with Ca2+ dynamics through Ca2+ channels and with Ca2+ sensitization through Rho-kinase. TNF-α and growth factors potentiate proliferation of these cells by synthesis of ROS. Oxidative stress can alter the function of airway smooth muscle through Ca2+ signaling. These phenotype changes are associated with manifestations (dyspnea, wheezing) and pathophysiology (airflow limitation, airway remodeling, airway hyperresponsiveness). Therefore, airway smooth muscle is a therapeutic target against COPD; oxidative stress should be included in treatable traits for COPD to advance precision medicine. Research into Ca2+ signaling related to ROS may contribute to the development of a novel agent for COPD.
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu W, MacIver B, Zhang L, Bien EM, Ahmed N, Chen H, Hanif SZ, de Oliveira MG, Zeidel ML, Hill WG. Deletion of Mechanosensory β1-integrin From Bladder Smooth Muscle Results in Voiding Dysfunction and Tissue Remodeling. FUNCTION 2022; 3:zqac042. [PMID: 38989038 PMCID: PMC11234651 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The bladder undergoes large shape changes as it fills and empties and experiences complex mechanical forces. These forces become abnormal in diseases of the lower urinary tract such as overactive bladder, neurogenic bladder, and urinary retention. As the primary mechanosensors linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM), integrins are likely to play vital roles in maintaining bladder smooth muscle (BSM) homeostasis. In a tamoxifen-inducible smooth muscle conditional knockout of β1-integrin, there was concomitant loss of α1- and α3-integrins from BSM and upregulation of αV- and β3-integrins. Masson's staining showed a reduction in smooth muscle with an increase in collagenous ECM. Functionally, mice exhibited a changing pattern of urination by voiding spot assay up to 8 wk after tamoxifen. By 8 wk, there was increased frequency with reductions in voided volume, consistent with overactivity. Cystometrograms confirmed that there was a significant reduction in intercontractile interval with reduced maximal bladder pressure. Muscle strip myography revealed a loss of contraction force in response to electrical field stimulation, that was entirely due to the loss of muscarinic contractility. Quantitative western blotting showed a loss of M3 receptor and no change in P2X1. qPCR on ECM and interstitial genes revealed loss of Ntpd2, a marker of an interstitial cell subpopulation; and an upregulation of S100A4, which is often associated with fibroblasts. Collectively, the data show that the loss of appropriate mechanosensation through integrins results in cellular and extracellular remodeling, and concomitant bladder dysfunction that resembles lower urinary tract symptoms seen in older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqun Yu
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Bryce MacIver
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Erica M Bien
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nazaakat Ahmed
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sarah Z Hanif
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mariana G de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Mark L Zeidel
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Warren G Hill
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramis J, Middlewick R, Pappalardo F, Cairns JT, Stewart ID, John AE, Naveed SUN, Krishnan R, Miller S, Shaw DE, Brightling CE, Buttery L, Rose F, Jenkins G, Johnson SR, Tatler AL. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 is increased in asthma and contributes to asthmatic airway remodelling. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.04361-2020. [PMID: 34996828 PMCID: PMC9260127 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04361-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are fundamental to asthma pathogenesis, influencing bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling. The extracellular matrix (ECM) can influence tissue remodelling pathways; however, to date no study has investigated the effect of ASM ECM stiffness and cross-linking on the development of asthmatic airway remodelling. We hypothesised that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activation by ASM cells is influenced by ECM in asthma and sought to investigate the mechanisms involved. Methods This study combines in vitro and in vivo approaches: human ASM cells were used in vitro to investigate basal TGF-β activation and expression of ECM cross-linking enzymes. Human bronchial biopsies from asthmatic and nonasthmatic donors were used to confirm lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) expression in ASM. A chronic ovalbumin (OVA) model of asthma was used to study the effect of LOXL2 inhibition on airway remodelling. Results We found that asthmatic ASM cells activated more TGF-β basally than nonasthmatic controls and that diseased cell-derived ECM influences levels of TGF-β activated. Our data demonstrate that the ECM cross-linking enzyme LOXL2 is increased in asthmatic ASM cells and in bronchial biopsies. Crucially, we show that LOXL2 inhibition reduces ECM stiffness and TGF-β activation in vitro, and can reduce subepithelial collagen deposition and ASM thickness, two features of airway remodelling, in an OVA mouse model of asthma. Conclusion These data are the first to highlight a role for LOXL2 in the development of asthmatic airway remodelling and suggest that LOXL2 inhibition warrants further investigation as a potential therapy to reduce remodelling of the airways in severe asthma. Novel role for matrix cross-linking enzyme LOXL2 in asthmatic airway remodelling: LOXL2 is increased in #asthma but LOXL2 inhibition reduces matrix stiffness in airway smooth muscle cells and reduces remodelling in vivohttps://bit.ly/3FnzGb3
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jopeth Ramis
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Philippines
| | - Robert Middlewick
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jennifer T Cairns
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Iain D Stewart
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Alison E John
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Shams-Un-Nisa Naveed
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Ramaswamy Krishnan
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Suzanne Miller
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Dominick E Shaw
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Lee Buttery
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Felicity Rose
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Simon R Johnson
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Amanda L Tatler
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sun YT, Liu XR, Huang QF, Wang B, Weng YQ, Deng T, Li LH, Qian J, Li Q, Lin KW, Sun DM, Xu SQ, Wang HF, Wu XX. Midkine ameliorates LPS-induced apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells via the Notch2 pathway. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-1691.363877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wicher SA, Roos BB, Teske JJ, Fang YH, Pabelick C, Prakash YS. Aging increases senescence, calcium signaling, and extracellular matrix deposition in human airway smooth muscle. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254710. [PMID: 34324543 PMCID: PMC8321097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung function declines as people age and their lungs become stiffer. With an increasing elderly population, understanding mechanisms that contribute to these structural and functional changes in the aging lung is important. Part of the aging process is characterized by thicker, more fibrotic airways, and senile emphysema caused by changes in lung parenchyma. There is also senescence, which occurs throughout the body with aging. Here, using human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells from patients in different age groups, we explored senescence pathways and changes in intracellular calcium signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition to elucidate potential mechanisms by which aging leads to thicker and stiffer lungs. Senescent markers p21, γH2AX, and β-gal, and some senescence-associated secretory proteins (SASP) increased with aging, as shown by staining and biochemical analyses. Agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ responses, measured using fura-2 loaded cells and fluorescence imaging, increased with age. However, biochemical analysis showed that expression of the following markers decreased with age: M3 muscarinic receptor, TRPC3, Orai1, STIM1, SERCA2, MMP2 and MMP9. In contrast, collagen III, and fibronectin deposition increased with age. These data show that senescence increases in the aging airways that is associated with a stiffer but surprisingly greater intracellular calcium signaling as a marker for contractility. ASM senescence may enhance fibrosis in a feed forward loop promoting remodeling and altered calcium storage and buffering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Wicher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Benjamin B. Roos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Jacob J. Teske
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Yun Hua Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Christina Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Y. S. Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Role of Airway Smooth Muscle in Inflammation Related to Asthma and COPD. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1303:139-172. [PMID: 33788192 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63046-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle contributes to both contractility and inflammation in the pathophysiology of asthma and COPD. Airway smooth muscle cells can change the degree of a variety of functions, including contraction, proliferation, migration, and the secretion of inflammatory mediators (phenotype plasticity). Airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, β2-adrenergic desensitization, and airway remodeling, which are fundamental characteristic features of these diseases, are caused by phenotype changes in airway smooth muscle cells. Alterations between contractile and hyper-contractile, synthetic/proliferative phenotypes result from Ca2+ dynamics and Ca2+ sensitization. Modulation of Ca2+ dynamics through the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel/L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel linkage and of Ca2+ sensitization through the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway contributes not only to alterations in the contractile phenotype involved in airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and β2-adrenergic desensitization but also to alteration of the synthetic/proliferative phenotype involved in airway remodeling. These Ca2+ signal pathways are also associated with synergistic effects due to allosteric modulation between β2-adrenergic agonists and muscarinic antagonists. Therefore, airway smooth muscle may be a target tissue in the therapy for these diseases. Moreover, the phenotype changing in airway smooth muscle cells with focuses on Ca2+ signaling may provide novel strategies for research and development of effective remedies against both bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Amrani Y, Panettieri RA, Ramos-Ramirez P, Schaafsma D, Kaczmarek K, Tliba O. Important lessons learned from studies on the pharmacology of glucocorticoids in human airway smooth muscle cells: Too much of a good thing may be a problem. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107589. [PMID: 32473159 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the treatment of choice for chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma. Despite proven effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, long-term and/or systemic use of GCs can potentially induce adverse effects. Strikingly, some recent experimental evidence suggests that GCs may even exacerbate some disease outcomes. In asthma, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are among the targets of GC therapy and have emerged as key contributors not only to bronchoconstriction, but also to airway inflammation and remodeling, as implied by experimental and clinical evidence. We here will review the beneficial effects of GCs on ASM cells, emphasizing the differential nature of GC effects on pro-inflammatory genes and on other features associated with asthma pathogenesis. We will also summarize evidence describing how GCs can potentially promote pro-inflammatory and remodeling features in asthma with a specific focus on ASM cells. Finally, some of the possible solutions to overcome these unanticipated effects of GCs will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Amrani
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Center Respiratory, Leicester, UK
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia Ramos-Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY, USA
| | | | - Klaudia Kaczmarek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY, USA
| | - Omar Tliba
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Melatonin modulates airway smooth muscle cell phenotype by targeting the STAT3/Akt/GSK-3β pathway in experimental asthma. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 380:129-142. [PMID: 31867684 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Among the troika of clinicopathologic features of asthma, airway remodelling has gained sufficient attention for its contribution to progressive airway narrowing. Much effort has been directed at the management of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), but few attempts have proven to prevent the progression of remodelling. Recently, accumulating data have shown the anti-inflammatory/anti-proliferative potency of melatonin (a crucial neurohormone involved in many physiological and pathological processes) in diverse cells. However, no evidence has confirmed its effect on ASMCs. The present study investigates the benefits of melatonin in asthma, with an emphasis on airway remodelling. The results indicated that melatonin significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation and remodelling in a house dust mite (HDM) model. Melatonin markedly alleviated goblet cell hyperplasia/metaplasia, collagen deposition and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia/hypertrophy, implying the achievement of remodelling remission. The data obtained in vitro further revealed that melatonin notably inhibited ASMCs proliferation, VEGF synthesis and cell migration induced by PDGF, which might depend on STAT3 signalling. Moreover, melatonin remarkably relieved ASMCs contraction and reversed ASMCs phenotype switching induced by TGF-β, probably via the Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Altogether, our findings illustrated for the first time that melatonin improves asthmatic airway remodelling by balancing the phenotypic proportions of ASMCs, thus highlighting a novel purpose for melatonin as a potent option for the management of asthma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Guida G, Riccio AM. Immune induction of airway remodeling. Semin Immunol 2019; 46:101346. [PMID: 31734128 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.101346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Airway remodeling is accepted to be a determining component within the natural history of asthma. It is a phenomenon characterized by changes in the airways structures that marches in parallel with and can be influenced by airway inflammation, floating at the interface between both natural and adaptive immunity and physical and mechanical cells behavior. In this review we aimed to highlight the comprehensive, yet not exhaustive, evidences of how immune cells induce, regulate and adapt to the recognized markers of airway remodeling. Mucous cell hyperplasia, epithelial dysfunction and mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix protein synthesis and restructuration, fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, airway smooth muscle proliferation, bioactive and contractile properties, and vascular remodeling encompass complex physiopathological mechanisms that can be induced, suppressed or regulated by different cellular and molecular pathways. Growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules expressed or derived either from the immune network of cells infiltrating the asthmatic airways and involving T helper lymphocytes, immune lymphoid cells, dendritic cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells or by the structural components such as epithelial cells, fibroblasts, myocytes, airway smooth muscle cells concur with protein cellular matrix component and metalloproteases in modifying the airway structure in a detrimental way. The consequences in lung function decline, fixed airway obstruction and clinical severity of the disease suggest the possibility of identify among the immune molecular pathway of remodeling some biological parameters or signal pathway to be either a good tracer for monitoring the disease evolution or a target for hypothetical phenotypes and endotypes. In the era of personalized medicine, a biomarker of remodeling might predict a response to small-molecule inhibitors or biologicals potentially targeting a fundamental aspect of asthma pathogenesis that impacts on the low responsiveness to airway inflammation directed treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Guida
- Allergology and Lung Pathology, Santa Croce and Carle Hospital, Cuneo - Antonio Carle Hospital, Via Antonio Carle 5, 12100, Confreria (CN), Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Riccio
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases - Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ambhore NS, Kalidhindi RSR, Pabelick CM, Hawse JR, Prakash YS, Sathish V. Differential estrogen-receptor activation regulates extracellular matrix deposition in human airway smooth muscle remodeling via NF-κB pathway. FASEB J 2019; 33:13935-13950. [PMID: 31638834 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901340r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Altered airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in airways are characteristic features of remodeling in asthma. Increased ECM production modulates ASM cell proliferation and leads to airway remodeling. Our previous studies showed that ASM from patients with asthma exhibited increased expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-β, which upon activation down-regulated ASM proliferation, implicating an important role for estrogen signaling in airway physiology. There is no current information on the effect of differential ER activation on ECM production. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ER-α vs. ER-β activation on ECM production, deposition, and underlying pathways. Primary human ASM cells isolated from asthmatics and nonasthmatics were treated with E2, an ER-α agonist [propylpyrazoletriol (PPT)], and an ER-β agonist [WAY-200070 (WAY)] with TNF-α or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) followed by evaluation of ECM production and deposition. Expression of proteins and genes corresponding to ECM were measured using Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR with subsequent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Molecular mechanisms of ER activation in regulating ECM were evaluated by luciferase reporter assays for activator protein 1 (AP-1) and NF-κB. TNF-α or PDGF significantly (P < 0.001) increased ECM deposition and MMP activity in human ASM cells, which was significantly reduced with WAY treatment but not with PPT. Furthermore, TNF-α- or PDGF-induced ECM gene expression in ASM cells was significantly reduced with WAY (P < 0.001). Moreover, WAY significantly down-regulated the activation of NF-κB (P < 0.001) and AP-1 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in ASM cells from asthmatics and nonasthmatics. Overall, we demonstrate differential ER signaling in controlling ECM production and deposition. Activation of ER-β diminishes ECM deposition via suppressing the NF-κB pathway activity and might serve as a novel target to blunt airway remodeling.-Ambhore, N. S., Kalidhindi, R. S. R., Pabelick, C. M., Hawse, J. R., Prakash, Y. S., Sathish, V. Differential estrogen-receptor activation regulates extracellular matrix deposition in human airway smooth muscle remodeling via NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Sudhakar Ambhore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | | | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; and
| | - John R Hawse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; and
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li H, Yang T, Wu R, Chen T, Sun Z, Yang L. Salidroside inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:6642-6650. [PMID: 30552692 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) have been found to be important for the airway remodeling during the pathogenesis of asthma. Salidroside a bioactive glucoside that exerts antitumor activity via inhibiting the cell proliferation and migration of cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of salidroside on the proliferation and migration of ASMCs. Our results showed that salidroside inhibited the proliferation and migration of ASMCs in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation. Salidroside markedly attenuated the PDGF-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in ASMCs. The levels of contractile phenotype markers including smooth muscle α-actin and calponin were reduced in response to PDGF stimulation, which was attenuated by salidroside pretreatment. Salidroside diminished the increase in the expression levels of type I collagen and fibronectin in PDGF-stimulated ASMCs. Furthermore, salidroside blocked the PDGF-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in ASMCs. The results suggested that salidroside functionally regulated the proliferation, migration, phenotype plasticity, and extracellular matrix deposition in PDGF-induced ASMCs and the NF-κB pathway might be implicated in the effects of salidroside on ASMCs induced by PDGF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianjun Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhongmin Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ko KR, Tsai MC, Frampton JP. Fabrication of thin-layer matrigel-based constructs for three-dimensional cell culture. Biotechnol Prog 2018; 35:e2733. [PMID: 30315732 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix-based hydrogels such as Matrigel are easy-to-use, commercially available, and offer environments for three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture that mimic native tissue. However, manipulating small volumes of these materials to produce thin-layer 3-D culture systems suitable for analysis is difficult because of air-liquid-substrate interfacial tension effects and evaporation. Here, we demonstrate two simple techniques that use standard liquid-handling tools and nontreated 96-well plates to produce uniform, thin-layer constructs for 3-D culture of cells in Matrigel. The first technique, the floating 3-D cell culture method, uses phase-separating polymers to form a barrier between the dispensed Matrigel, air, and cultureware surface to generate consistently thin hydrogels from volumes as low as 5 μL. These unanchored gels provide a useful assay for investigating airway smooth muscle cell contraction and may have future applications in studying asthma pathophysiology. The second technique, the fixed 3-D cell culture method, provides an anchored gel system for culturing noncontractile cells (e.g., neurons) where 20 μL of Matrigel is dispensed into the bottom of a well filled with culture medium to form a thin gel containing embedded cells. This technique has potential widespread applications as an accessible 3-D culture platform for high-throughput production of disease models for evaluation of novel drug therapies. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2733, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Robin Ko
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Meng-Chiao Tsai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John P Frampton
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vaes RDW, van den Berk L, Boonen B, van Dijk DPJ, Olde Damink SWM, Rensen SS. A novel human cell culture model to study visceral smooth muscle phenotypic modulation in health and disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 315:C598-C607. [PMID: 30044660 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00167.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype is essential for homeostasis and is often involved in pathologies of visceral organs (e.g., uterus, bladder, gastrointestinal tract). In vitro studies of the behavior of visceral SMCs under (patho)-physiological conditions are hampered by a spontaneous, uncontrolled phenotypic modulation of visceral SMCs under regular tissue culture conditions. We aimed to develop a new visceral SMC culture model that allows controlled phenotypic modulation. Human uterine SMCs [ULTR and telomerase-immortalized human myometrial cells (hTERT-HM)] were grown to confluency and kept for up to 6 days on regular tissue culture surfaces or basement membrane (BM) matrix-coated surfaces in the presence of 0-10% serum. mRNA and protein expression and localization of SMC-specific phenotype markers and their transcriptional regulators were investigated by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Maintaining visceral SMCs confluent for 6 days increased α-smooth muscle actin (1.9-fold) and smooth muscle protein 22-α (3.1-fold), whereas smooth muscle myosin heavy chain was only slightly upregulated (1.3-fold). Culturing on a BM matrix-coated surface further increased these proteins and also markedly promoted mRNA expression of γ-smooth muscle actin (15.0-fold), smoothelin (3.5-fold), h-caldesmon (5.2-fold), serum response factor (7.6-fold), and myocardin (8.1-fold). Whereas additional serum deprivation only minimally affected contractile markers, platelet-derived growth factor-BB and transforming growth factor β1 consistently reduced versus increased their expression. In conclusion, we present a simple and reproducible visceral SMC culture system that allows controlled phenotypic modulation toward both the synthetic and the contractile phenotype. This may greatly facilitate the identification of factors that drive visceral SMC phenotypic changes in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianne D W Vaes
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Linda van den Berk
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Bas Boonen
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - David P J van Dijk
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Steven W M Olde Damink
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Sander S Rensen
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cheng W, Yan K, Chen Y, Zhang W, Ji Z, Dang C. ABCA1 inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of rat airway smooth muscle cell through blocking TLR2/NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:7388-7396. [PMID: 29775222 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Airway remodeling is a key feature of asthma, characterized by abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). ABCA1, a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of active transporters, plays an essential role in the progression of lung diseases. However, the contributions of ABCA1 in ASMCs remain to be explored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the functional role and potential molecular mechanism of ABCA1 in platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced primary rat ASMC proliferation and migration. We observed that PDGF- led to a significant decrease in the expression of ABCA1. Overexpression of ABCA1 strikingly suppressed PDGF-induced ASMC proliferation accompanied by a decrease in the expression of PCAN stimulated by PDGF. Additionally, augmentation of ABCA1 dramatically restrained PDGF-induced migration concomitant with attenuate the accumulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in response to PDGF. Furthermore, forced expression of ABCA1 enhanced contractile phenotype markers proteins including α-SMA along with sm-MHC, sm-α-actin, and calponin reduced by PDGF. Meanwhile, introduction of ABCA1 depressed ECM over-deposition induced by PDGF as reflected by a decrease in the expression of ECM protein collagen I and fibronectin. More importantly, addition of ABCA1 effectively suppressed the activity of TLR2/NF-κB signaling as well as diminished the expression of NFATc1 in rat ASMCs after PDGF stimulation. Interestingly, blockage of TLR2/NF-κB signaling effectively inhibited PDGF-induced proliferation and migration, these effects were similar to ABCA1. Taken together, these data implicated that ABCA1 suppressed PDGF-induced proliferation, migration, and contraction in rat ASMCs at least partly through TLR2/NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling, which might offer hope for the future treatment of airway remodeling in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- The Second Department of Respiratory Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Kun Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yanni Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Wen Zhang
- The Second Department of Respiratory Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zongzheng Ji
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Chengxue Dang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huo Y, Xu J, Guan L, Wu W, Guo B, Yang Y, Lin L, Ou Y, Jiang F, Zhou L, Chen R. Methacholine induces extracellular matrix production by human airway smooth muscle cells through β-catenin signaling. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2018; 254:55-63. [PMID: 29715518 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Altered extracellular matrix (ECM) production by airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is an important feature of airway remodeling. Muscarinic receptor agonists contribute to ECM production in vivo, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study attempted to investigate the role of methacholine in promoting ECM production by human ASMCs (HASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. We found that methacholine induced the expression of collagen I protein and multiple ECM genes. β-catenin signaling was activated in this process upon GSK3β phosphorylation, leading to upregulation of total and active β-catenin. Silencing β-catenin by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) or with the β-catenin inhibitor, PKF115-584, decreased collagen I expression. Conversely, overexpression of active β-catenin by adenoviruses carrying the S33Y-β-catenin mutant increased the methacholine-induced collagen I expression. Furthermore, methacholine induced TGF-β expression in HASMCs, while pan-TGF-β-neutralizing antibody only partially decreased collagen I expression. These findings suggest that methacholine induced ECM production through β-catenin signaling and partially through TGF-β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yating Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Jiawen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Lili Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Weiliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Bingpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Yuqiong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Yonger Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Fangfang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Luqian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Rongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yan Jiang Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Burgess JK, Ketheson A, Faiz A, Limbert Rempel KA, Oliver BG, Ward JPT, Halayko AJ. Phenotype and Functional Features of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Immortalized Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells from Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic Donors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:805. [PMID: 29339735 PMCID: PMC5770384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is an obstructive respiratory disease characterised by chronic inflammation with airway hyperresponsiveness. In asthmatic airways, there is an increase in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell bulk, which differs from non-asthmatic ASM in characteristics. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of hTERT immortalisation of human ASM cells as a research tool. Specifically we compared proliferative capacity, inflammatory mediator release and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in hTERT immortalised and parent primary ASM cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors. Our studies revealed no significant differences in proliferation, IL-6 and eotaxin-1 production, or CTGF synthesis between donor-matched parent and hTERT immortalised ASM cell lines. However, deposition of ECM proteins fibronectin and fibulin-1 was significantly lower in immortalised ASM cells compared to corresponding primary cells. Notably, previously reported differences in proliferation and inflammatory mediator release between asthmatic and non-asthmatic ASM cells were retained, but excessive ECM protein deposition in asthmatic ASM cells was lost in hTERT ASM cells. This study shows that hTERT immortalised ASM cells mirror primary ASM cells in proliferation and inflammatory profile characteristics. Moreover, we demonstrate both strengths and weaknesses of this immortalised cell model as a representation of primary ASM cells for future asthma pathophysiological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands. .,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, KOLFF Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia. .,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - A Ketheson
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Faiz
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K A Limbert Rempel
- University of Manitoba and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - B G Oliver
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - A J Halayko
- University of Manitoba and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lockett AD, Wu Y, Gunst SJ. Elastase alters contractility and promotes an inflammatory synthetic phenotype in airway smooth muscle tissues. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 314:L626-L634. [PMID: 29212803 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00334.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil elastase is secreted by inflammatory cells during airway inflammation and can elicit airway hyperreactivity in vivo. Elastase can degrade multiple components of the extracellular matrix. We hypothesized that elastase might disrupt the connections between airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and the extracellular matrix and that this might have direct effects on ASM tissue responsiveness and inflammation. The effect of elastase treatment on ASM contractility was assessed in vitro in isolated strips of canine tracheal smooth muscle by stimulation of tissues with cumulatively increasing concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) and measurement of contractile force. Elastase treatment potentiated contractile responses to ACh at low concentrations but suppressed the maximal contractile force generated by the tissues without affecting the phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC). Elastase also promoted the secretion of eotaxin and the activation of Akt in ASM tissues and decreased expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, consistent with promotion of a synthetic inflammatory phenotype. As the degradation of matrix proteins can alter integrin engagement, we evaluated the effect of elastase on the assembly and activation of integrin-associated adhesion junction complexes in ASM tissues. Elastase led to talin cleavage, reduced talin binding to vinculin, and suppressed activation of the adhesome proteins paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, and vinculin, indicating that elastase causes the disassembly of adhesion junction complexes and the inactivation of adhesome signaling proteins. We conclude that elastase promotes an inflammatory phenotype and increased sensitivity to ACh in ASM tissues by disrupting signaling pathways mediated by integrin-associated adhesion complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelia D Lockett
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yidi Wu
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Susan J Gunst
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liang X, Wang J, Chen W, Ma X, Wang Y, Nagao N, Weng W, Huang J, Liu J. Inhibition of airway remodeling and inflammation by isoforskolin in PDGF-induced rat ASMCs and OVA-induced rat asthma model. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:275-286. [PMID: 28850927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoforskolin (ISOF) has been reported to play an important role in many illnesses including respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmologic diseases. In our study, we aimed to investigate how ISOF regulates airway remodeling and inflammation in asthma. Based on SO2-stimulated mouse cough model, we assessed the role of ISOF in cough and secretion of phlegm. Afterwards, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced primary rat airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) model and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced rat asthma model were used to continue our following research. Our results showed that ISOF could prolong the cough latent period, reduce the cough times in two minutes, and increase the excretion of red phenol, which suggested the antitussive and expectorant effects of ISOF. Besides, ISOF pretreatment reversed the hypotonicity and cytoskeleton remodeling in PDGF-induced ASMCs, and reduced mucus hypersecretion and collagen overdeposition in OVA-induced rat asthma model, which indicated its inhibition on airway remodeling in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ISOF reduced the invasion of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs, which revealed its inhibitory role in airway inflammation. The down-regulation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) upon ISOF treatment might be responsible for its anti-remodeling and anti-inflammation roles. In conclusion, ISOF can reduce cough and sputum, as well as inhibit airway remodeling and inflammation by regulating the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-1β. These data indicate the potency of ISOF in treating asthma and also provide insights into the development of new anti-asthma agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University,826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Norio Nagao
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, 727-0023, Japan
| | - Weiyu Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China.
| | - Jianming Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University,826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Jianwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hussain M, Xu C, Lu M, Wu X, Tang L, Wu X. Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:3226-3242. [PMID: 28866134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic lung development requires reciprocal endodermal-mesodermal interactions; mediated by various signaling proteins. Wnt/β-catenin is a signaling protein that exhibits the pivotal role in lung development, injury and repair while aberrant expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling leads to asthmatic airway remodeling: characterized by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle cells, alveolar and vascular damage goblet cells metaplasia, and deposition of extracellular matrix; resulting in decreased lung compliance and increased airway resistance. The substantial evidence suggests that Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Here, we summarized the recent advances related to the mechanistic role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung development, consequences of aberrant expression or deletion of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in expansion and progression of asthmatic airway remodeling, and linking early-impaired pulmonary development and airway remodeling later in life. Finally, we emphasized all possible recent potential therapeutic significance and future prospectives, that are adaptable for therapeutic intervention to treat asthmatic airway remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Musaddique Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China; The Key Respiratory Drug Research Laboratory of China Food and Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China.
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China; The Key Respiratory Drug Research Laboratory of China Food and Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China
| | - Meiping Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310006, China
| | - Xiling Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310006, China.
| | - Lanfang Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310006, China
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China; The Key Respiratory Drug Research Laboratory of China Food and Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Burgstaller G, Oehrle B, Gerckens M, White ES, Schiller HB, Eickelberg O. The instructive extracellular matrix of the lung: basic composition and alterations in chronic lung disease. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/1/1601805. [PMID: 28679607 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01805-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) determines the tissue architecture of the lung, and provides mechanical stability and elastic recoil, which are essential for physiological lung function. Biochemical and biomechanical signals initiated by the ECM direct cellular function and differentiation, and thus play a decisive role in lung development, tissue remodelling processes and maintenance of adult homeostasis. Recent proteomic studies have demonstrated that at least 150 different ECM proteins, glycosaminoglycans and modifying enzymes are expressed in the lung, and these assemble into intricate composite biomaterials. These highly insoluble assemblies of interacting ECM proteins and their glycan modifications can act as a solid phase-binding interface for hundreds of secreted proteins, which creates an information-rich signalling template for cell function and differentiation. Dynamic changes within the ECM that occur upon injury or with ageing are associated with several chronic lung diseases. In this review, we summarise the available data about the structure and function of the pulmonary ECM, and highlight changes that occur in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer. We discuss potential mechanisms of ECM remodelling and modification, which we believe are relevant for future diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Burgstaller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Oehrle
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Gerckens
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Eric S White
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Herbert B Schiller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Division of Respiratory Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chu M, Ji J, Cao W, Zhang H, Meng D, Xie B, Xu S. Cyclic peptide *CRRETAWAC* attenuates fibronectin-induced cytokine secretion of human airway smooth muscle cells by inhibiting FAK and p38 MAPK. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2535-2541. [PMID: 28402030 PMCID: PMC5618697 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
α5β1 integrin is highly expressed in airway smooth muscle cells and mediate the adhesion of airway smooth muscle cells to fibronectin to regulate airway remodelling in asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of synthetic cyclic peptide *CRRETAWAC* on fibronectin‐induced cytokine secretion of airway smooth muscle cells and the underlying mechanism. Human airway smooth muscle cells were isolated and treated with fibronectin, IL‐13, *CRRETAWAC* peptide, α5β1 integrin‐blocking antibody, FAK inhibitor or p38 MAPK inhibitor. The transcription and secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES were detected by real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The phosphorylation of FAK and MAPKs including p38, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 was detected by Western blot analysis. The transcription and secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES increased in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates. However, α5β1 integrin‐blocking antibody, *CRRETAWAC* peptide, FAK inhibitor or p38 MAPK inhibitor significantly reduced mRNA levels and the secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates. In addition, the phosphorylation of FAK and p38 MAPK was significantly increased in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates compared to the cells cultured in uncoated plates and was significantly reduced in airway smooth muscle cells treated with *CRRETAWAC* peptide. Fibronectin induces cytokine synthesis and secretion of airway smooth muscle cells. Peptide *CRRETAWAC* antagonizes fibronectin‐induced cytokine synthesis and secretion of airway smooth muscle cells via the inhibition of FAK and p38 MAPK, and is a potential agent for the therapy of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Chu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China.,Ningbo Medical Treatment Center, Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiani Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Wenhao Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Huojun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Dan Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | | | - Shuyun Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kim SY, Burgess JK, Wang Y, Kable EP, Weiss DJ, Chan HK, Chrzanowski W. Atomized Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Direct Delivery to the Airway for Treatment of Lung Injury. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2016; 29:514-524. [DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2016.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Yunsun Kim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- Department Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yiwei Wang
- ANZAC Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Concord, Australia
| | - Eleanor P.W. Kable
- Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Weiss
- College of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wojciech Chrzanowski
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Institute of Nanoscale Science and Technology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang L, An X, Wang Q, He M. Activation of Cold-Sensitive Channels TRPM8 and TRPA1 Inhibits the Proliferative Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype. Lung 2016; 194:595-603. [PMID: 27236325 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-016-9901-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) phenotypic modulation is one of the key factors contributing to asthma. Temperature changes may induce asthma, and these changes are known to be related to the temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels (TS-TRPs). The present study was designed to investigate the cellular functions of cold-sensitive channels, TRPM8 and TRPA1, in the phenotypic modulation of ASMCs. METHODS A rat asthma model was constructed and the expression of TS-TRPs in ASM was tested. Using the agonists and antagonists for both TRPM8 and TRPA1, the effects of cold-sensitive channels on the phenotypic modulation of ASMCs were evaluated by measurement of contractile protein expression and cell proliferation and migration. Signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity were assayed with Western blotting and gelatin zymography. RESULTS TRPM8 and TRPA1 were decreased in the ASM of the rat asthma model. Icilin and menthol, agonists for TRPM8 and TRPA1, inhibited ASMC proliferation and migration induced by fetal bovine serum (FBS) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Moreover, icilin reversed the FBS-induced inhibition of the expression of contractile phenotype markers, smooth muscle α-actin, and SM22α. Icilin also antagonized the activation of p38 and MMP-2 and the repression of p21 caused by FBS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show, for the first time, that the activation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 inhibits ASMC proliferative phenotype. These data suggest that TRPM8 and TRPA1 agonists may be promising new therapies for asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU-SM), Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaofei An
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiuyu Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU-SM), Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ming He
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU-SM), Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
A fungal protease allergen provokes airway hyper-responsiveness in asthma. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6763. [PMID: 25865874 PMCID: PMC4396684 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma, a common disorder that affects more than 250 million people worldwide, is defined by exaggerated bronchoconstriction to inflammatory mediators including acetylcholine, bradykinin, and histamine—also termed airway hyper-responsiveness Nearly 10% of people with asthma have severe, treatment-resistant disease, which is frequently associated with IgE sensitization to ubiquitous fungi, typically Aspergillus fumigatus. Here we show that a major Aspergillus fumigatus allergen, Asp f13, which is a serine protease, alkaline protease 1 (Alp 1), promotes airway hyper-responsiveness by infiltrating the bronchial submucosa and disrupting airway smooth muscle cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Alp 1-mediated extracellular matrix degradation evokes pathophysiological RhoA-dependent Ca2+ sensitivity and bronchoconstriction. These findings support a pathogenic mechanism in asthma and other lung diseases associated with epithelial barrier impairment, whereby airway smooth muscle cells respond directly to inhaled environmental allergens to generate airway hyper-responsiveness.
Collapse
|
32
|
Dekkers BGJ, Naeimi S, Bos IST, Menzen MH, Halayko AJ, Hashjin GS, Meurs H. L-thyroxine promotes a proliferative airway smooth muscle phenotype in the presence of TGF-β1. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2014; 308:L301-6. [PMID: 25480330 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00071.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothyroidism may reduce, whereas hyperthyroidism may aggravate, asthma symptoms. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are largely unknown. Since thyroid hormones have central roles in cell growth and differentiation, we hypothesized that airway remodeling, in particular increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, may be involved. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) and l-thyroxine (T4) in the absence and presence of the profibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 on human ASM cell phenotype switching. T3 (1-100 nM) and T4 (1-100 nM) did not affect basal ASM proliferation. However, when combined with TGF-β1 (2 ng/ml), T4 synergistically increased the proliferative response, whereas only a minor effect was observed for T3. In line with a switch from a contractile to a proliferative ASM phenotype, T4 reduced the TGF-β1-induced contractile protein expression by ∼50%. Cotreatment with T3 reduced TGF-β1-induced contractile protein expression by ∼25%. The synergistic increase in proliferation was almost fully inhibited by the integrin αvβ3 antagonist tetrac (100 nM), whereas no significant effects of the thyroid receptor antagonist 1-850 (3 μM) were observed. Inhibition of MEK1/2, downstream of the integrin αvβ3, also inhibited the T4- and TGF-β1-induced proliferative responses. Collectively, the results indicate that T4, and to a lesser extent T3, promotes a proliferative ASM phenotype in the presence of TGF-β1, which is predominantly mediated by the membrane-bound T4 receptor αvβ3. These results indicate that thyroid hormones may enhance ASM remodeling in asthma, which could be of relevance for hyperthyroid patients with this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart G J Dekkers
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Saeideh Naeimi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - I Sophie T Bos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H Menzen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; and
| | - Goudarz Sadeghi Hashjin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Teheran, Iran
| | - Herman Meurs
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
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.
Collapse
|
34
|
Kumawat K, Koopmans T, Gosens R. β-catenin as a regulator and therapeutic target for asthmatic airway remodeling. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1023-34. [PMID: 25005144 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.934813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pathological alteration in the airway structure, termed as airway remodeling, is a hallmark feature of individuals with asthma and has been described to negatively impact lung function in asthmatics. Recent studies have raised considerable interest in the regulatory role of β-catenin in remodeling asthmatic airways. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is the key to normal lung development and tightly coordinates the maintenance of tissue homeostasis under steady-state conditions. Several studies indicate the crucial role of β-catenin signaling in airway remodeling in asthma and suggest that this pathway may be activated by both the growth factors and mechanical stimuli such as bronchoconstriction. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss recent literature regarding the mechanisms of β-catenin signaling activation and its mechanistic role in asthmatic airway remodeling. Further, we discuss the possibilities of therapeutic targeting of β-catenin. EXPERT OPINION The aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling by both WNT-dependent and -independent mechanisms in asthmatic airways plays a key role in remodeling the airways, including cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue repair and extracellular matrix production. These findings are interesting from both a mechanistic and therapeutic perspective, as several drug classes have now been described that target β-catenin signaling directly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Kumawat
- University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of Molecular Pharmacology , A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen , The Netherlands +31 50 363 8177 ; +31 50 363 6908 ;
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Similar matrix alterations in alveolar and small airway walls of COPD patients. BMC Pulm Med 2014; 14:90. [PMID: 24886452 PMCID: PMC4055380 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-14-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Remodelling in COPD has at least two dimensions: small airway wall thickening and destruction of alveolar walls. Recent studies indicate that there is some similarity between alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodelling. The aim of this study was to characterise and assess similarities in alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodelling, and TGF-β signalling in COPD patients of different GOLD stages. Methods Lung tissue sections of 14 smoking controls, 16 GOLD II and 19 GOLD IV patients were included and stained for elastin and collagens as well as hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan matrix component and pSMAD2. Results Elastin was significantly decreased in COPD patients not only in alveolar, but also in small airway walls. Interestingly, both collagen and hyaluronan were increased in alveolar as well as small airway walls. The matrix changes were highly comparable between GOLD stages, with collagen content in the alveolar wall increasing further in GOLD IV. A calculated remodelling index, defined as elastin divided over collagen and hyaluronan, was decreased significantly in GOLD II and further lowered in GOLD IV patients, suggesting that matrix component alterations are involved in progressive airflow limitation. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation present between the alveolar and small airway wall stainings of the matrix components, as well as for pSMAD2. No differences in pSMAD2 staining between controls and COPD patients were found. Conclusions In conclusion, remodelling in the alveolar and small airway wall in COPD is markedly similar and already present in moderate COPD. Notably, alveolar collagen and a remodelling index relate to lung function.
Collapse
|
36
|
Singh SR, Billington CK, Sayers I, Hall IP. Clonally expanded human airway smooth muscle cells exhibit morphological and functional heterogeneity. Respir Res 2014; 15:57. [PMID: 24886333 PMCID: PMC4014754 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-15-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchyme-derived airway cell populations including airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts play key roles in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and remodeling. Phenotypic and functional characterisation of these cell populations are confounded by their heterogeneity in vitro. It is unclear which mechanisms underlie the creation of these different sub-populations.The study objectives were to investigate whether ASM cells are capable of clonal expansion and if so (i) what proportion possess this capability and (ii) do clonal populations exhibit variation in terms of morphology, phenotype, proliferation rates and pro-relaxant or pro-contractile signaling pathways. METHODS Early passage human ASM cells were subjected to single-cell cloning and their doubling time was recorded. Immunocytochemistry was performed to assess localization and levels of markers previously reported to be specifically associated with smooth muscle or fibroblasts. Finally functional assays were used to reveal differences between clonal populations specifically assessing mitogen-induced proliferation and pro-relaxant and pro-contractile signaling pathways. RESULTS Our studies provide evidence that a high proportion (58%) of single cells present within early passage human ASM cell cultures have the potential to create expanded cell populations. Despite being clonally-originated, morphological heterogeneity was still evident within these clonal populations as assessed by the range in expression of markers associated with smooth muscle cells. Functional diversity was observed between clonal populations with 10 μM isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP responses ranging from 1.4 - 5.4 fold cf basal and bradykinin-induced inositol phosphate from 1.8 - 5.2 fold cf basal. CONCLUSION In summary we show for the first time that primary human ASM cells are capable of clonal expansion and that the resulting clonal populations themselves exhibit phenotypic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra R Singh
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, NG7 2UH Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte K Billington
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, NG7 2UH Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Sayers
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, NG7 2UH Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ian P Hall
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, NG7 2UH Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Krimmer D, Ichimaru Y, Burgess J, Black J, Oliver B. Exposure to biomass smoke extract enhances fibronectin release from fibroblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83938. [PMID: 24386310 PMCID: PMC3873416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COPD induced following biomass smoke exposure has been reported to be associated with a more fibrotic phenotype than cigarette smoke induced COPD. This study aimed to investigate if biomass smoke induced extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production from primary human lung fibroblasts in vitro. Primary human lung fibroblasts (n = 5–10) were stimulated in vitro for up to 72 hours with increasing concentrations of biomass smoke extract (BME) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) prior to being assessed for deposition of ECM proteins, cytokine release, and activation of intracellular signalling molecules. Deposition of the ECM proteins perlecan and fibronectin was upregulated by both CSE (p<0.05) and BME (p<0.05). The release of the neutrophilic chemokine IL-8 was also enhanced by BME. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly upregulated by BME (p<0.05). Chemical inhibition of ERK signalling molecules partially attenuated these effects (p<0.05). Stimulation with endotoxin had no effect. This study demonstrated that BME had similar effects to CSE in vitro and had the capacity to directly induce fibrosis by upregulating production of ECM proteins. The mechanisms by which both biomass and cigarette smoke exposure cause lung damage may be similar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Krimmer
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yukikazu Ichimaru
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janette Burgess
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Judith Black
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brian Oliver
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li G, Fox J, Liu Z, Liu J, Gao GF, Jin Y, Gao H, Wu M. Lyn mitigates mouse airway remodeling by downregulating the TGF-β3 isoform in house dust mite models. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:5359-70. [PMID: 24127553 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic airway remodeling is a serious consequence of asthma, which is caused by complex but largely unknown mechanisms. Despite versatile functions, the role of Lyn in chronic airway remodeling remains undefined. Using Lyn(-/-) mice, we show that continual exposure (for 8 wk) of house dust mite extracts induced a severe phenotype of chronic airway remodeling, including exacerbated mucus production, collagen deposition, dysregulated cytokine secretion, and elevated inflammation. Strikingly, a significant increase in TGF-β3 rather than TGF-β1 was observed in Lyn(-/-) mouse lungs compared with lungs in wild-type mice. Furthermore, TGF-β3 neutralizing Abs not only inhibited the expression of STAT6 and Smad2/3 but also decreased phosphorylation of Smad2 and NF-κB in Lyn(-/-) mouse lungs. In addition, both recombinant and adenoviral TGF-β3 significantly promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and intensified collagen I production and MUC5AC expression. Further examination of chronic asthma patients showed that a decreased Lyn correlated with the severity of airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Finally, Lyn may critically regulate airway remodeling by directly interacting with TGF-β3. Collectively, these findings revealed that Lyn regulates TGF-β3 isoform and modulates the development of airway remodeling, which may have therapeutic implications for severe chronic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Oenema TA, Mensink G, Smedinga L, Halayko AJ, Zaagsma J, Meurs H, Gosens R, Dekkers BGJ. Cross-talk between transforming growth factor-β₁ and muscarinic M₂ receptors augments airway smooth muscle proliferation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2013; 49:18-27. [PMID: 23449734 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2012-0261oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) is a central mediator in tissue remodeling processes, including fibrosis and airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperplasia, as observed in asthma. The mechanisms underlying this response, however, remain unclear because TGF-β₁ exerts only weak mitogenic effects on ASM cells. In this study, we hypothesized that the mitogenic effect of TGF-β₁ on ASM is indirect and requires prolonged exposure to allow for extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of acute and prolonged treatment with TGF-β₁, alone and in combination with the muscarinic receptor agonist methacholine, on human ASM cell proliferation. Acutely, TGF-β₁ exerted no mitogenic effect. However, prolonged treatment (for 7 d) with TGF-β₁ increased ASM cell proliferation and potentiated the platelet-derived growth factor-induced mitogenic response. Muscarinic receptor stimulation with methacholine synergistically enhanced the effect of TGF-β₁. Interestingly, the integrin-blocking peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser, as well as integrin α5β1 function-blocking antibodies, inhibited the effects of TGF-β₁ and its combination with methacholine on cell proliferation. Accordingly, prolonged treatment with TGF-β₁ increased fibronectin expression, which was also synergistically enhanced by methacholine. The synergistic effects of methacholine on TGF-β₁-induced proliferation were reduced by the long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium and the M₂ receptor subtype-selective antagonist gallamine, but not the M₃-selective antagonist DAU5884. In line with these findings, the irreversible Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin also prevented the potentiation of TGF-β₁-induced proliferation by methacholine. We conclude that prolonged exposure to TGF-β₁ enhances ASM cell proliferation, which is mediated by extracellular matrix-integrin interactions, and which can be enhanced by muscarinic M₂ receptor stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske A Oenema
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rebuttal from Gunst and Panettieri. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2013; 113:842-3. [PMID: 22942221 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00483.2012b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
41
|
Tran T, Teoh CM, Tam JKC, Qiao Y, Chin CY, Chong OK, Stewart AG, Harris T, Wong WSF, Guan SP, Leung BP, Gerthoffer WT, Unruh H, Halayko AJ. Laminin drives survival signals to promote a contractile smooth muscle phenotype and airway hyperreactivity. FASEB J 2013; 27:3991-4003. [PMID: 23756649 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-221341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is believed to underlie the relatively fixed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Developments of therapeutic approaches to reverse airway remodeling are impeded by our lack of insight on the mechanisms behind the increase in mass of contractile ASM cells. Increased expression of laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, is associated with asthma. Our studies investigate the role of laminin-induced ASM survival signals in the development of increased ASM and AHR. Antagonizing laminin integrin binding using the laminin-selective competing peptide, YIGSR, and mimicking laminin with exogenous α2-chain laminin, we show that laminin is both necessary and sufficient to induce ASM cell survival, concomitant with the induction of ASM contractile phenotype. Using siRNA, we show that the laminin-binding integrin α7β1 mediates this process. Moreover, in laminin-211-deficient mice, allergen-induced AHR was not observed. Notably, ASM cells from asthmatic airways express a higher abundance of intracellular cell survival proteins, consistent with a role for reduced rates of cell apoptosis in development of ASM hyperplasia. Targeting the laminin-integrin α7β1 signaling pathway may offer new avenues for the development of therapies to reduce the increase in mass of contractile phenotype ASM cells that underlie AHR in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thai Tran
- 2Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Block MD9, 2 Medical Dr., Singapore 117597. E-Mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dekkers BGJ, Spanjer AIR, van der Schuyt RD, Kuik WJ, Zaagsma J, Meurs H. Focal adhesion kinase regulates collagen I-induced airway smooth muscle phenotype switching. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:86-95. [PMID: 23591997 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.203042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass are major contributors to airway remodeling in asthma. Recently, we demonstrated that the ECM protein collagen I, which is increased surrounding asthmatic ASM, induces a proliferative, hypocontractile ASM phenotype. Little is known, however, about the signaling pathways involved. Using bovine tracheal smooth muscle, we investigated the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and downstream signaling pathways in collagen I-induced ASM phenotype modulation. Phosphorylation of FAK was increased during adhesion to both uncoated and collagen I-coated culture dishes, without differences between these matrices. Nor were any differences found in cellular adhesion. Inhibition of FAK activity by overexpression of the FAK deletion mutants FAT (focal adhesion targeting domain) and FRNK (FAK-related nonkinase) attenuated adhesion. After attachment, FAK phosphorylation increased in a time-dependent manner in cells cultured on collagen I, whereas no activation was found on an uncoated plastic matrix. In addition, collagen I increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner the cell proliferation, which was fully inhibited by FAT and FRNK. Similarly, the specific pharmacologic FAK inhibitor PF-573228 [6-((4-((3-(methanesulfonyl)benzyl)amino)-5-trifluoromethylpyrimidin-2-yl) amino)-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one] as well as specific inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Src also fully inhibited collagen I-induced proliferation, whereas partial inhibition was observed by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). The inhibition of cell proliferation by these inhibitors was associated with attenuation of the collagen I-induced hypocontractility. Collectively, the results indicate that induction of a proliferative, hypocontractile ASM phenotype by collagen I is mediated by FAK and downstream signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart G J Dekkers
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University Centre for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ghezzi CE, Risse PA, Marelli B, Muja N, Barralet JE, Martin JG, Nazhat SN. An airway smooth muscle cell niche under physiological pulsatile flow culture using a tubular dense collagen construct. Biomaterials 2013; 34:1954-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
44
|
Wright DB, Trian T, Siddiqui S, Pascoe CD, Johnson JR, Dekkers BG, Dakshinamurti S, Bagchi R, Burgess JK, Kanabar V, Ojo OO. Phenotype modulation of airway smooth muscle in asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2013; 26:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
45
|
Kumawat K, Menzen MH, Bos IST, Baarsma HA, Borger P, Roth M, Tamm M, Halayko AJ, Simoons M, Prins A, Postma DS, Schmidt M, Gosens R. Noncanonical WNT-5A signaling regulates TGF-β-induced extracellular matrix production by airway smooth muscle cells. FASEB J 2012; 27:1631-43. [PMID: 23254341 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-217539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a key mediator of fibrotic responses, is increased in asthma and drives airway remodeling by inducing expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β-induced ECM expression by airway smooth muscle cells and demonstrate a novel link between TGF-β and Wingless/integrase 1 (WNT) signaling in ECM deposition. Airway smooth muscle expresses abundant WNT ligands, with the noncanonical WNT-5A being the most profoundly expressed. Interestingly, WNT-5A shows ∼2-fold higher abundance in airway smooth muscle cells isolated from individuals with asthma than individuals without asthma. WNT-5A is markedly induced in response to TGF-β (4-16-fold; EC₅₀ 0.3 ng/ml) and is required for collagen and fibronectin expression by airway smooth muscle. WNT-5A engages noncanonical WNT signaling pathways, as inhibition of Ca(2+) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling attenuated this TGF-β response, whereas the canonical WNT antagonist Dickkopf 1 (DKK-1) did not. Accordingly, WNT-5A induced JNK phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). Furthermore, silencing of the WNT-5A receptors Frizzled 8 (FZD8) and RYK attenuated TGF-β-induced ECM expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that noncanonical WNT-5A signaling is activated by and necessary for TGF-β-induced ECM production by airway smooth muscle cells, which could have significance in asthma pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Kumawat
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ramakrishna L, de Vries VC, Curotto de Lafaille MA. Cross-roads in the lung: immune cells and tissue interactions as determinants of allergic asthma. Immunol Res 2012; 53:213-28. [PMID: 22447350 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-012-8296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is a chronic disease of the lung characterized by underlying Th2- and IgE-mediated inflammation, structural alterations of the bronchial wall, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Initial allergic sensitization and later development of chronic disease are determined by close interactions between lung structural cells and the resident and migratory immune cells in the lung. Epithelial cells play a crucial role in allergic sensitization by directly influencing dendritic cells induction of tolerant or effector T cells and production of type 2 cytokines by innate immune cells. During chronic disease, the bronchial epithelium, stroma, and smooth muscle become structurally and functionally altered, contributing to the perpetuation of tissue remodeling. Thus, targeting tissue-driven pathology in addition to inflammation may increase the effectiveness of asthma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Ramakrishna
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 8A Biomedical Grove, #4-06 Immunos, Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
West AR, Zaman N, Cole DJ, Walker MJ, Legant WR, Boudou T, Chen CS, Favreau JT, Gaudette GR, Cowley EA, Maksym GN. Development and characterization of a 3D multicell microtissue culture model of airway smooth muscle. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2012; 304:L4-16. [PMID: 23125251 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00168.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cellular and molecular biology is typically studied with single-cell cultures grown on flat 2D substrates. However, cells in vivo exist as part of complex 3D structures, and it is well established in other cell types that altering substrate geometry exerts potent effects on phenotype and function. These factors may be especially relevant to asthma, a disease characterized by structural remodeling of the airway wall, and highlights a need for more physiologically relevant models of ASM function. We utilized a tissue engineering platform known as microfabricated tissue gauges to develop a 3D culture model of ASM featuring arrays of ∼0.4 mm long, ∼350 cell "microtissues" capable of simultaneous contractile force measurement and cell-level microscopy. ASM-only microtissues generated baseline tension, exhibited strong cellular organization, and developed actin stress fibers, but lost structural integrity and dissociated from the cantilevers within 3 days. Addition of 3T3-fibroblasts dramatically improved survival times without affecting tension development or morphology. ASM-3T3 microtissues contracted similarly to ex vivo ASM, exhibiting reproducible responses to a range of contractile and relaxant agents. Compared with 2D cultures, microtissues demonstrated identical responses to acetylcholine and KCl, but not histamine, forskolin, or cytochalasin D, suggesting that contractility is regulated by substrate geometry. Microtissues represent a novel model for studying ASM, incorporating a physiological 3D structure, realistic mechanical environment, coculture of multiple cells types, and comparable contractile properties to existing models. This new model allows for rapid screening of biochemical and mechanical factors to provide insight into ASM dysfunction in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian R West
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dekkers BGJ, Racké K, Schmidt M. Distinct PKA and Epac compartmentalization in airway function and plasticity. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 137:248-65. [PMID: 23089371 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are obstructive lung diseases characterized by airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway remodelling. Next to inflammatory cells and airway epithelial cells, airway mesenchymal cells, including airway smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts, substantially contribute to disease features by the release of inflammatory mediators, smooth muscle contraction, extracellular matrix deposition and structural changes in the airways. Current pharmacological treatment of both diseases intends to target the dynamic features of the endogenous intracellular suppressor cyclic AMP (cAMP). This review will summarize our current knowledge on cAMP and will emphasize on key discoveries and paradigm shifts reflecting the complex spatio-temporal nature of compartmentalized cAMP signalling networks in health and disease. As airway fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells are recognized as central players in the development and progression of asthma and COPD, we will focus on the role of cAMP signalling in their function in relation to airway function and plasticity. We will recapture on the recent identification of cAMP-sensing multi-protein complexes maintained by cAMP effectors, including A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), proteins kinase A (PKA), exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), cAMP-elevating seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and we will report on findings indicating that the pertubation of compartmentalized cAMP signalling correlates with the pathopysiology of obstructive lung diseases. Future challenges include studies on cAMP dynamics and compartmentalization in the lung and the development of novel drugs targeting these systems for therapeutic interventions in chronic obstructive inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart G J Dekkers
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University Center of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Xia YC, Harris T, Stewart AG, Mackay GA. Secreted factors from human mast cells trigger inflammatory cytokine production by human airway smooth muscle cells. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2012; 160:75-85. [PMID: 22948287 DOI: 10.1159/000339697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A notable feature of allergic asthma is the infiltration of mast cells into smooth muscle in the human airway. Thus, mast cells and human airway smooth muscle (hASM) cells are likely to exhibit mutual functional modulation via direct cell-cell contact or through released factors. This study examined mast cell modulation of hASM cell cytokine release. METHODS The mast cell line HMCα was used to model mast cell function. hASM cells were either co-cultured directly with resting or IgE/antigen-stimulated HMCα cells or treated with HMCα-conditioned media to examine the impact on cytokine release. The activation pathways triggered in hASM cells by the mast cell-derived factors were examined through the use of selective inhibitors and by Western blotting. RESULTS HMCα cells, or their conditioned media, induced the expression of cytokines (IL-8 and IL-6) by hASM cells at both the mRNA and the protein level. Cytokine expression in hASM cells was greatly amplified when HMCα cells were IgE/antigen-activated. The effects of the conditioned media were not mediated by the chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-1α or by exosomes. While the mast cell-derived factor(s) increased p38(MAPK) phosphorylation in hASM cells, cytokine production was not inhibited by the p38(MAPK) inhibitor SB203580. hASM cell production of IL-8 induced by HMCα condition media but not IL-6 was, however, attenuated by the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that the release of soluble mediators by activated mast cells can stimulate hASM cells to elicit production of proinflammatory cytokines that may then exacerbate airway inflammation in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y C Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Functional phenotype of airway myocytes from asthmatic airways. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2012; 26:95-104. [PMID: 22921313 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In asthma, the airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell plays a central role in disease pathogenesis through cellular changes which may impact on its microenvironment and alter ASM response and function. The answer to the long debated question of what makes a 'healthy' ASM cell become 'asthmatic' still remains speculative. What is known of an 'asthmatic' ASM cell, is its ability to contribute to the hallmarks of asthma such as bronchoconstriction (contractile phenotype), inflammation (synthetic phenotype) and ASM hyperplasia (proliferative phenotype). The phenotype of healthy or diseased ASM cells or tissue for the most part is determined by expression of key phenotypic markers. ASM is commonly accepted to have different phenotypes: the contractile (differentiated) state versus the synthetic (dedifferentiated) state (with the capacity to synthesize mediators, proliferate and migrate). There is now accumulating evidence that the synthetic functions of ASM in culture derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors differ. Some of these differences include an altered profile and increased production of extracellular matrix proteins, pro-inflammatory mediators and adhesion receptors, collectively suggesting that ASM cells from asthmatic subjects have the capacity to alter their environment, actively participate in repair processes and functionally respond to changes in their microenvironment.
Collapse
|