1
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Burgess CL, Huang J, Bawa PS, Alysandratos KD, Minakin K, Ayers LJ, Morley MP, Babu A, Villacorta-Martin C, Yampolskaya M, Hinds A, Thapa BR, Wang F, Matschulat A, Mehta P, Morrisey EE, Varelas X, Kotton DN. Generation of human alveolar epithelial type I cells from pluripotent stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:657-675.e8. [PMID: 38642558 PMCID: PMC11147407 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.017] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial type I cells (AT1s) line the gas exchange barrier of the distal lung and have been historically challenging to isolate or maintain in cell culture. Here, we engineer a human in vitro AT1 model system via directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We use primary adult AT1 global transcriptomes to suggest benchmarks and pathways, such as Hippo-LATS-YAP/TAZ signaling, enriched in these cells. Next, we generate iPSC-derived alveolar epithelial type II cells (AT2s) and find that nuclear YAP signaling is sufficient to promote a broad transcriptomic shift from AT2 to AT1 gene programs. The resulting cells express a molecular, morphologic, and functional phenotype reminiscent of human AT1 cells, including the capacity to form a flat epithelial barrier producing characteristic extracellular matrix molecules and secreted ligands. Our results provide an in vitro model of human alveolar epithelial differentiation and a potential source of human AT1s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Burgess
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jessie Huang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pushpinder S Bawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kasey Minakin
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Lauren J Ayers
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Michael P Morley
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carlos Villacorta-Martin
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | | | - Anne Hinds
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bibek R Thapa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feiya Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Adeline Matschulat
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pankaj Mehta
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Edward E Morrisey
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Darrell N Kotton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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2
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De Lorenzis E, Wasson CW, Del Galdo F. Alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in scleroderma interstitial lung disease: Technical challenges, available evidence and therapeutic perspectives. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2024; 9:7-15. [PMID: 38333528 PMCID: PMC10848925 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231181727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is the process of transformation of differentiated epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells through functional and morphological changes. A partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process can indirectly contribute to lung fibrosis through a paracrine stimulation of the surrounding cells, while a finalized process could also directly enhance the pool of pulmonary fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix deposition. The direct demonstration of alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease is challenging due to technical pitfalls and the limited availability of lung tissue samples. Similarly, any inference on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition occurrence driven from preclinical models should consider the limitations of cell cultures and animal models. Notwithstanding, while the occurrence or the relevance of this phenomenon in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease have not been directly and conclusively demonstrated until now, pre-clinical and clinical evidence supports the potential role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the development and progression of lung fibrosis. Evidence consolidation on scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition would pave the way for new therapeutic opportunities to prevent, slow or even reverse lung fibrosis, drawing lessons from current research lines in neoplastic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico De Lorenzis
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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3
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Shen H, Chen W, Liu Y, Castaldi A, Castillo J, Horie M, Flodby P, Sundar S, Li C, Ji Y, Minoo P, Marconett CN, Zhou B, Borok Z. GRAMD2 + alveolar type I cell plasticity facilitates cell state transitions in organoid culture. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.560801. [PMID: 37905051 PMCID: PMC10614891 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.560801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial regeneration is critical for normal lung function and becomes dysregulated in disease. While alveolar type 2 (AT2) and club cells are known distal lung epithelial progenitors, determining if alveolar epithelial type 1 (AT1) cells also contribute to alveolar regeneration has been hampered by lack of highly specific mouse models labeling AT1 cells. To address this, the Gramd2 CreERT2 transgenic strain was generated and crossed to Rosa mTmG mice. Extensive cellular characterization, including distal lung immunofluorescence and cytospin staining, confirmed that GRAMD2 + AT1 cells are highly enriched for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Interestingly, Gramd2 CreERT2 GFP + cells were able to form organoids in organoid co-culture with Mlg fibroblasts. Temporal scRNAseq revealed that Gramd2 + AT1 cells transition through numerous intermediate lung epithelial cell states including basal, secretory and AT2 cell in organoids while acquiring proliferative capacity. Our results indicate that Gramd2 + AT1 cells are highly plastic suggesting they may contribute to alveolar regeneration.
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4
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Leiby KL, Yuan Y, Ng R, Raredon MSB, Adams TS, Baevova P, Greaney AM, Hirschi KK, Campbell SG, Kaminski N, Herzog EL, Niklason LE. Rational engineering of lung alveolar epithelium. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:22. [PMID: 37117221 PMCID: PMC10147714 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered whole lungs may one day expand therapeutic options for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, the feasibility of ex vivo lung regeneration remains limited by the inability to recapitulate mature, functional alveolar epithelium. Here, we modulate multimodal components of the alveolar epithelial type 2 cell (AEC2) niche in decellularized lung scaffolds in order to guide AEC2 behavior for epithelial regeneration. First, endothelial cells coordinate with fibroblasts, in the presence of soluble growth and maturation factors, to promote alveolar scaffold population with surfactant-secreting AEC2s. Subsequent withdrawal of Wnt and FGF agonism synergizes with tidal-magnitude mechanical strain to induce the differentiation of AEC2s to squamous type 1 AECs (AEC1s) in cultured alveoli, in situ. These results outline a rational strategy to engineer an epithelium of AEC2s and AEC1s contained within epithelial-mesenchymal-endothelial alveolar-like units, and highlight the critical interplay amongst cellular, biochemical, and mechanical niche cues within the reconstituting alveolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Leiby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yifan Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ronald Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Micha Sam Brickman Raredon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor S Adams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pavlina Baevova
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Allison M Greaney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stuart G Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erica L Herzog
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laura E Niklason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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5
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Burgess CL, Huang J, Bawa P, Alysandratos KD, Minakin K, Morley MP, Babu A, Villacorta-Martin C, Hinds A, Thapa BR, Wang F, Matschulat AM, Morrisey EE, Varelas X, Kotton DN. Generation of human alveolar epithelial type I cells from pluripotent stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524655. [PMID: 36711505 PMCID: PMC9882278 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the distal lung, alveolar epithelial type I cells (AT1s) comprise the vast majority of alveolar surface area and are uniquely flattened to allow the diffusion of oxygen into the capillaries. This structure along with a quiescent, terminally differentiated phenotype has made AT1s particularly challenging to isolate or maintain in cell culture. As a result, there is a lack of established models for the study of human AT1 biology, and in contrast to alveolar epithelial type II cells (AT2s), little is known about the mechanisms regulating their differentiation. Here we engineer a human in vitro AT1 model system through the directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We first define the global transcriptomes of primary adult human AT1s, suggesting gene-set benchmarks and pathways, such as Hippo-LATS-YAP/TAZ signaling, that are enriched in these cells. Next, we generate iPSC-derived AT2s (iAT2s) and find that activating nuclear YAP signaling is sufficient to promote a broad transcriptomic shift from AT2 to AT1 gene programs. The resulting cells express a molecular, morphologic, and functional phenotype reminiscent of human AT1 cells, including the capacity to form a flat epithelial barrier which produces characteristic extracellular matrix molecules and secreted ligands. Our results indicate a role for Hippo-LATS-YAP signaling in the differentiation of human AT1s and demonstrate the generation of viable AT1-like cells from iAT2s, providing an in vitro model of human alveolar epithelial differentiation and a potential source of human AT1s that until now have been challenging to viably obtain from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Burgess
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jessie Huang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pushpinder Bawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kasey Minakin
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Michael P Morley
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carlos Villacorta-Martin
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anne Hinds
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bibek R Thapa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feiya Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Adeline M Matschulat
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Edward E Morrisey
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Darrell N Kotton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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6
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Brownfield DG, de Arce AD, Ghelfi E, Gillich A, Desai TJ, Krasnow MA. Alveolar cell fate selection and lifelong maintenance of AT2 cells by FGF signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7137. [PMID: 36414616 PMCID: PMC9681748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung's gas exchange surface is comprised of alveolar AT1 and AT2 cells that are corrupted in several common and deadly diseases. They arise from a bipotent progenitor whose differentiation is thought to be dictated by differential mechanical forces. Here we show the critical determinant is FGF signaling. Fgfr2 is expressed in the developing progenitors in mouse then restricts to nascent AT2 cells and remains on throughout life. Its ligands are expressed in surrounding mesenchyme and can, in the absence of exogenous mechanical cues, induce progenitors to form alveolospheres with intermingled AT2 and AT1 cells. FGF signaling directly and cell autonomously specifies AT2 fate; progenitors lacking Fgfr2 in vitro and in vivo exclusively acquire AT1 fate. Fgfr2 loss in AT2 cells perinatally results in reprogramming to AT1 identity, whereas loss or inhibition later in life triggers AT2 apoptosis and compensatory regeneration. We propose that Fgfr2 signaling selects AT2 fate during development, induces a cell non-autonomous AT1 differentiation signal, then continuously maintains AT2 identity and survival throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Brownfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5307, USA.
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Departments of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Alex Diaz de Arce
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5307, USA
| | - Elisa Ghelfi
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Astrid Gillich
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5307, USA
| | - Tushar J Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Stem Cell Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Mark A Krasnow
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5307, USA.
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7
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Li C, Peinado N, Smith SM, Zhou J, Gao F, Kohbodi G, Zhou B, Thornton ME, Grubbs BH, Lee MK, Bellusci S, Borok Z, Chen YW, Minoo P. Wnt5a Promotes AT1 and Represses AT2 Lineage-Specific Gene Expression in a Cell-Context-Dependent Manner. Stem Cells 2022; 40:691-703. [PMID: 35429397 PMCID: PMC9332903 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lung maturation is not limited to proper structural development but also includes differentiation and functionality of various highly specialized alveolar cell types. Alveolar type 1 (AT1s) cells occupy nearly 95% of the alveolar surface and are critical for establishing efficient gas exchange in the mature lung. AT1 cells arise from progenitors specified during the embryonic stage as well as alveolar epithelial progenitors expressing surfactant protein C (Sftpcpos cells) during postnatal and adult stages. Previously, we found that Wnt5a, a non-canonical Wnt ligand, is required for differentiation of AT1 cells during the saccular phase of lung development. To further investigate the role of Wnt5a in AT1 cell differentiation, we generated and characterized a conditional Wnt5a gain-of-function mouse model. Neonatal Wnt5a gain-of-function disrupted alveologenesis through inhibition of cell proliferation. In this setting Wnt5a downregulated β-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling, repressed AT2 (anti-AT2) and promoted AT1 (pro-AT1) lineage-specific gene expression. In addition, we identified 2 subpopulations of Sftpchigh and Sftpclow alveolar epithelial cells. In Sftpclow cells, Wnt5a exhibits pro-AT1 and anti-AT2 effects, concurrent with inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. Interestingly, in the Sftpchigh subpopulation, although increasing AT1 lineage-specific gene expression, Wnt5a gain-of-function did not change AT2 gene expression, nor inhibit canonical Wnt signaling. Using primary epithelial cells isolated from human fetal lungs, we demonstrate that this property of Wnt5a is evolutionarily conserved. Wnt5a therefore serves as a selective regulator that ensures proper AT1/AT2 balance in the developing lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgong Li
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neil Peinado
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Smith
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - GoleNaz Kohbodi
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew E Thornton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brendan H Grubbs
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matt K Lee
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
- Cardio Pulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Zea Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University ofCalifornia San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Parviz Minoo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, USC Keck School of Medicine and Children’s HospitalLos Angeles, CA, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Wu T, Rabi SA, Michaud WA, Becerra D, Gilpin SE, Mino-Kenudson M, Ott HC. Protease inhibitor Camostat Mesyalte blocks wild type SARS-CoV-2 and D614G viral entry in human engineered miniature lungs. Biomaterials 2022; 285:121509. [PMID: 35533440 PMCID: PMC8999341 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The catastrophic global effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlight the need to develop novel therapeutics strategies to prevent and treat viral infections of the respiratory tract. To enable this work, we need scalable, affordable, and physiologically relevant models of the human lung, the primary organ involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. To date, most COVID-19 in vitro models rely on platforms such as cell lines and organoids. While 2D and 3D models have provided important insights, human distal lung models that can model epithelial viral uptake have yet to be established. We hypothesized that by leveraging techniques of whole organ engineering and directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) we could model human distal lung epithelium, examine viral infection at the tissue level in real time, and establish a platform for COVID-19 related research ex vivo. In the present study, we used type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2) derived from human iPSCs to repopulate whole rat lung acellular scaffolds and maintained them in extended biomimetic organ culture for 30 days to induce the maturation of distal lung epithelium. We observed emergence of a mixed type 1 and type 2 alveolar epithelial phenotype during tissue formation. When exposing our system to a pseudotyped lentivirus containing the spike of wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and the more virulent D614G, we observed progression of the infection in real time. We then found that the protease inhibitor Camostat Mesyalte significantly reduced viral transfection in distal lung epithelium. In summary, our data show that a mature human distal lung epithelium can serve as a novel moderate throughput research platform to examine viral infection and to evaluate novel therapeutics ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seyed A. Rabi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, USA,Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William A. Michaud
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, USA,Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Surgical Oncology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Becerra
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of General Surgery, USA
| | - Sarah E. Gilpin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Pathology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harald C. Ott
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding author. Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Zhong Q, Liu Y, Correa MR, Marconett CN, Minoo P, Li C, Ann DK, Zhou B, Borok Z. FOXO1 Couples KGF and PI-3K/AKT Signaling to NKX2.1-Regulated Differentiation of Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Cells 2022; 11:1122. [PMID: 35406686 PMCID: PMC8997990 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
NKX2.1 is a master regulator of lung morphogenesis and cell specification; however, interactions of NKX2.1 with various transcription factors to regulate cell-specific gene expression and cell fate in the distal lung remain incompletely understood. FOXO1 is a key regulator of stem/progenitor cell maintenance/differentiation in several tissues but its role in the regulation of lung alveolar epithelial progenitor homeostasis has not been evaluated. We identified a novel role for FOXO1 in alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation that results in the removal of NKX2.1 from surfactant gene promoters and the subsequent loss of surfactant expression in alveolar epithelial type I-like (AT1-like) cells. We found that the FOXO1 forkhead domain potentiates a loss of surfactant gene expression through an interaction with the NKX2.1 homeodomain, disrupting NKX2.1 binding to the SFTPC promoter. In addition, blocking PI-3K/AKT signaling reduces phosphorylated FOXO-1 (p-FOXO1), allowing accumulated nuclear FOXO1 to interact with NKX2.1 in differentiating AEC. Inhibiting AEC differentiation in vitro with keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) maintained an AT2 cell phenotype through increased PI3K/AKT-mediated FOXO1 phosphorylation, resulting in higher levels of surfactant expression. Together these results indicate that FOXO1 plays a central role in AEC differentiation by directly binding NKX2.1 and suggests an essential role for FOXO1 in mediating AEC homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yixin Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Michele Ramos Correa
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Crystal Nicole Marconett
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Parviz Minoo
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Changgong Li
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - David K. Ann
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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10
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Tran E, Shi T, Li X, Chowdhury AY, Jiang D, Liu Y, Wang H, Yan C, Wallace WD, Lu R, Ryan AL, Marconett CN, Zhou B, Borok Z, Offringa IA. Development of human alveolar epithelial cell models to study distal lung biology and disease. iScience 2022; 25:103780. [PMID: 35169685 PMCID: PMC8829779 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many acute and chronic diseases affect the distal lung alveoli. Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) lines are needed to better model these diseases. We used de-identified human remnant transplant lungs to develop a method to establish AEC lines. The lines grow well in 2-dimensional (2D) culture as epithelial monolayers expressing lung progenitor markers. In 3-dimensional (3D) culture with fibroblasts, Matrigel, and specific media conditions, the cells form alveolar-like organoids expressing mature AEC markers including aquaporin 5 (AQP5), G-protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A), and surface marker HTII280. Single-cell RNA sequencing of an AEC line in 2D versus 3D culture revealed increased cellular heterogeneity and induction of cytokine and lipoprotein signaling in 3D organoids. Our approach yields lung progenitor lines that retain the ability to differentiate along the alveolar cell lineage despite long-term expansion and provides a valuable system to model and study the distal lung in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Tran
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Tuo Shi
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xiuwen Li
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Adnan Y. Chowdhury
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Du Jiang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yixin Liu
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chunli Yan
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - William D. Wallace
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Amy L. Ryan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Crystal N. Marconett
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ite A. Offringa
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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11
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Duan J, Xiang L, Yang Z, Chen L, Gu J, Lu K, Ma D, Zhao H, Yi B, Zhao H, Ning J. Methionine Restriction Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Modulating CSE/H 2S Pathway. Nutrients 2022; 14:322. [PMID: 35057502 PMCID: PMC8777780 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) result in high mortality, whereas effective treatments are limited. Methionine restriction (MR) has been reported to offer various benefits against multiple pathological processes of organ injuries. However, it remains unknown whether MR has any potential therapeutic value for ALI/ARDS. The current study was set to investigate the therapeutic potential of MR on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and its underlying mechanisms. We found that MR attenuated LPS-induced pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, atelectasis, and alveolar epithelial cell injuries in mice. MR upregulated cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) expression and enhanced the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). MR also inhibited the activation of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), then reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α release and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, the protective effects of MR on LPS-induced ALI were abrogated by inhibiting CSE, whereas exogenous H2S treatment alone mimicked the protective effects of MR in Cse-/- mice after LPS administration. In conclusion, our findings showed that MR attenuated LPS-induced lung injury through CSE and H2S modulation. This work suggests that developing MR towards clinical use for ALI/ARDS patients may be a valuable strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Duan
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
| | - Lunli Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China;
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China;
| | - Jianteng Gu
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
| | - Kaizhi Lu
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
| | - Daqing Ma
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK; (D.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hailin Zhao
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK; (D.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Bin Yi
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
| | - Hongwen Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China;
| | - Jiaolin Ning
- Department of Anesthesia, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.D.); (Z.Y.); (J.G.); (K.L.)
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12
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Zhou B, Stueve TR, Mihalakakos EA, Miao L, Mullen D, Wang Y, Liu Y, Luo J, Tran E, Siegmund KD, Lynch SK, Ryan AL, Offringa IA, Borok Z, Marconett CN. Comprehensive epigenomic profiling of human alveolar epithelial differentiation identifies key epigenetic states and transcription factor co-regulatory networks for maintenance of distal lung identity. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:906. [PMID: 34922464 PMCID: PMC8684104 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation is implicated in distal lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung adenocarcinoma that impact morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elucidating underlying disease pathogenesis requires a mechanistic molecular understanding of AEC differentiation. Previous studies have focused on changes of individual transcription factors, and to date no study has comprehensively characterized the dynamic, global epigenomic alterations that facilitate this critical differentiation process in humans. RESULTS We comprehensively profiled the epigenomic states of human AECs during type 2 to type 1-like cell differentiation, including the methylome and chromatin functional domains, and integrated this with transcriptome-wide RNA expression data. Enhancer regions were drastically altered during AEC differentiation. Transcription factor binding analysis within enhancer regions revealed diverse interactive networks with enrichment for many transcription factors, including NKX2-1 and FOXA family members, as well as transcription factors with less well characterized roles in AEC differentiation, such as members of the MEF2, TEAD, and AP1 families. Additionally, associations among transcription factors changed during differentiation, implicating a complex network of heterotrimeric complex switching in driving differentiation. Integration of AEC enhancer states with the catalog of enhancer elements in the Roadmap Epigenomics Mapping Consortium and Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) revealed that AECs have similar epigenomic structures to other profiled epithelial cell types, including human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), with NKX2-1 serving as a distinguishing feature of distal lung differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Enhancer regions are hotspots of epigenomic alteration that regulate AEC differentiation. Furthermore, the differentiation process is regulated by dynamic networks of transcription factors acting in concert, rather than individually. These findings provide a roadmap for understanding the relationship between disruption of the epigenetic state during AEC differentiation and development of lung diseases that may be therapeutically amenable.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - T R Stueve
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - E A Mihalakakos
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - L Miao
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - D Mullen
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Y Wang
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Y Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - J Luo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - E Tran
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - K D Siegmund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - S K Lynch
- Department of Engineering, Test Manufacturing Group, MAXIM Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA, 95134, USA
| | - A L Ryan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - I A Offringa
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Z Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - C N Marconett
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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13
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Sun AM, Hoffman T, Luu BQ, Ashammakhi N, Li S. Application of lung microphysiological systems to COVID-19 modeling and drug discovery: a review. Biodes Manuf 2021; 4:757-775. [PMID: 34178414 PMCID: PMC8213042 DOI: 10.1007/s42242-021-00136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for effective therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The process of drug development is a costly and meticulously paced process, where progress is often hindered by the failure of initially promising leads. To aid this challenge, in vitro human microphysiological systems need to be refined and adapted for mechanistic studies and drug screening, thereby saving valuable time and resources during a pandemic crisis. The SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks the lung, an organ where the unique three-dimensional (3D) structure of its functional units is critical for proper respiratory function. The in vitro lung models essentially recapitulate the distinct tissue structure and the dynamic mechanical and biological interactions between different cell types. Current model systems include Transwell, organoid and organ-on-a-chip or microphysiological systems (MPSs). We review models that have direct relevance toward modeling the pathology of COVID-19, including the processes of inflammation, edema, coagulation, as well as lung immune function. We also consider the practical issues that may influence the design and fabrication of MPS. The role of lung MPS is addressed in the context of multi-organ models, and it is discussed how high-throughput screening and artificial intelligence can be integrated with lung MPS to accelerate drug development for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argus M. Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California - Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza 5121 Engineering V University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600 USA
- UC San Diego Healthcare, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California - Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza 5121 Engineering V University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600 USA
| | - Bao Q. Luu
- Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Health, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Nureddin Ashammakhi
- Department of Bioengineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California - Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza 5121 Engineering V University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California - Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza 5121 Engineering V University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600 USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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14
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Kim YH, Kim KJ, D’Argenio DZ, Crandall ED. Characteristics of Passive Solute Transport across Primary Rat Alveolar Epithelial Cell Monolayers. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:331. [PMID: 33946241 PMCID: PMC8145727 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers (RAECM) were grown without (type I cell-like phenotype, RAECM-I) or with (type II cell-like phenotype, RAECM-II) keratinocyte growth factor to assess passive transport of 11 hydrophilic solutes. We estimated apparent permeability (Papp) in the absence/presence of calcium chelator EGTA to determine the effects of perturbing tight junctions on "equivalent" pores. Papp across RAECM-I and -II in the absence of EGTA are similar and decrease as solute size increases. We modeled Papp of the hydrophilic solutes across RAECM-I/-II as taking place via heterogeneous populations of equivalent pores comprised of small (0.41/0.32 nm radius) and large (9.88/11.56 nm radius) pores, respectively. Total equivalent pore area is dominated by small equivalent pores (99.92-99.97%). The number of small and large equivalent pores in RAECM-I was 8.55 and 1.29 times greater, respectively, than those in RAECM-II. With EGTA, the large pore radius in RAECM-I/-II increased by 1.58/4.34 times and the small equivalent pore radius increased by 1.84/1.90 times, respectively. These results indicate that passive diffusion of hydrophilic solutes across an alveolar epithelium occurs via small and large equivalent pores, reflecting interactions of transmembrane proteins expressed in intercellular tight junctions of alveolar epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ho Kim
- Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA; (Y.H.K.); (K.-J.K.)
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA
| | - Kwang-Jin Kim
- Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA; (Y.H.K.); (K.-J.K.)
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1111, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9037, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121, USA
| | - David Z. D’Argenio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1111, USA;
| | - Edward D. Crandall
- Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA; (Y.H.K.); (K.-J.K.)
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0906, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9092, USA
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1211, USA
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15
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Horie M, Castaldi A, Sunohara M, Wang H, Ji Y, Liu Y, Li F, Wilkinson TA, Hung L, Shen H, Kage H, Offringa IA, Marconett CN, Flodby P, Zhou B, Borok Z. Integrated Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Analysis of Aquaporin 5-Expressing Mouse Lung Epithelial Cells Identifies GPRC5A as a Novel Validated Type I Cell Surface Marker. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112460. [PMID: 33187367 PMCID: PMC7697677 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and functional characterization of alveolar epithelial type I (AT1) cells has been challenging due to difficulty in isolating sufficient numbers of viable cells. Here we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of tdTomato+ cells from lungs of AT1 cell-specific Aqp5-Cre-IRES-DsRed (ACID);R26tdTomato reporter mice. Following enzymatic digestion, CD31-CD45-E-cadherin+tdTomato+ cells were subjected to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) followed by scRNA-seq. Cell identity was confirmed by immunofluorescence using cell type-specific antibodies. After quality control, 92 cells were analyzed. Most cells expressed ‘conventional’ AT1 cell markers (Aqp5, Pdpn, Hopx, Ager), with heterogeneous expression within this population. The remaining cells expressed AT2, club, basal or ciliated cell markers. Integration with public datasets identified three robust AT1 cell- and lung-enriched genes, Ager, Rtkn2 and Gprc5a, that were conserved across species. GPRC5A co-localized with HOPX and was not expressed in AT2 or airway cells in mouse, rat and human lung. GPRC5A co-localized with AQP5 but not pro-SPC or CC10 in mouse lung epithelial cell cytospins. We enriched mouse AT1 cells to perform molecular phenotyping using scRNA-seq. Further characterization of putative AT1 cell-enriched genes revealed GPRC5A as a conserved AT1 cell surface marker that may be useful for AT1 cell isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Horie
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Alessandra Castaldi
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Mitsuhiro Sunohara
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Yanbin Ji
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Yixin Liu
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Fan Li
- Single-Cell, Sequencing, and CyTOF Core (SC2), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (F.L.); (T.A.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Thomas A. Wilkinson
- Single-Cell, Sequencing, and CyTOF Core (SC2), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (F.L.); (T.A.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Long Hung
- Single-Cell, Sequencing, and CyTOF Core (SC2), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (F.L.); (T.A.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Hua Shen
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Hidenori Kage
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Ite A. Offringa
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (I.A.O.); (C.N.M.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Crystal N. Marconett
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (I.A.O.); (C.N.M.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Per Flodby
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.H.); (A.C.); (M.S.); (H.W.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.); (H.S.); (P.F.); (B.Z.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +323-409-7184; Fax: +323-226-2738
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16
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Bleomycin induced apical-basal polarity loss in alveolar epithelial cell contributes to experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112295. [PMID: 32971116 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112295] [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: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal fibrosing interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options and a median survival of 3 years after diagnosis. Dysregulated epithelial regeneration is key event involved in initiating and sustaining IPF. The type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) play a crucial role for epithelial regeneration and stabilisation of alveoli. Loss of cell apical-basal polarity contributes to fibrosis. AECII has apical-basal polarity, but it is poorly understood whether AECII apical-basal polarity loss is involved in fibrosis. Bleomycin is a traditional inducer of pulmonary fibrosis. Here firstly we observed that bleomycin induced apical-basal polarity loss in cultured AECIIs. Next, cell polarity proteins lethal (2) giant larvae 1 (Lgl1), PAR-3A, aPKC and PAR-6B were investigated. We found bleomycin induced increases of Lgl1 protein and decreases of PAR-3A protein, and bleomycin-induced PAR-3A depression was mediated by increased-Lgl1. Then Lgl1 siRNA was transfected into AECIIs. Lgl1 siRNA prevented apical-basal polarity loss in bleomycin-treated AECIIs. At last, Lgl1-conditional knockout mice were applied in making animal models. Bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, but this was attenuated in Lgl1-conditional knockout mice. Together, these data indicated that bleomycin mediated AECII apical-basal polarity loss which contributed to experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of Lgl1 should be a potential therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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17
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Castaldi A, Horie M, Rieger ME, Dubourd M, Sunohara M, Pandit K, Zhou B, Offringa IA, Marconett CN, Borok Z. Genome-wide integration of microRNA and transcriptomic profiles of differentiating human alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L173-L184. [PMID: 32432919 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00519.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The alveolar epithelium is comprised of two cell types, alveolar epithelial type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) cells, the latter being capable of self-renewal and transdifferentiation into AT1 cells for normal maintenance and restoration of epithelial integrity following injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of several biological processes, including cell differentiation; however, their role in establishment/maintenance of cellular identity in adult alveolar epithelium is not well understood. To investigate this question, we performed genome-wide analysis of sequential changes in miRNA and gene expression profiles using a well-established model in which human AT2 (hAT2) cells transdifferentiate into AT1-like cells over time in culture that recapitulates many aspects of transdifferentiation in vivo. We defined three phases of miRNA expression during the transdifferentiation process as "early," "late," and "consistently" changed, which were further subclassified as up- or downregulated. miRNAs with altered expression at all time points during transdifferentiation were the largest subgroup, suggesting the need for consistent regulation of signaling pathways to mediate this process. Target prediction analysis and integration with previously published gene expression data identified glucocorticoid signaling as the top pathway regulated by miRNAs. Serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) emerged as a central regulatory factor, whose downregulation correlated temporally with gain of hsa-miR-424 and hsa-miR-503 expression. Functional validation demonstrated specific targeting of these miRNAs to the 3'-untranslated region of SGK1. These data demonstrate the time-related contribution of miRNAs to the alveolar transdifferentiation process and suggest that inhibition of glucocorticoid signaling is necessary to achieve the AT1-like cell phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Castaldi
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Masafumi Horie
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Megan E Rieger
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mickael Dubourd
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mitsuhiro Sunohara
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kusum Pandit
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ite A Offringa
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Crystal N Marconett
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zea Borok
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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18
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Moimas S, Salton F, Kosmider B, Ring N, Volpe MC, Bahmed K, Braga L, Rehman M, Vodret S, Graziani ML, Wolfson MR, Marchetti N, Rogers TJ, Giacca M, Criner GJ, Zacchigna S, Confalonieri M. miR-200 family members reduce senescence and restore idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis type II alveolar epithelial cell transdifferentiation. ERJ Open Res 2019; 5:00138-2019. [PMID: 31857992 PMCID: PMC6911923 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00138-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Alveolar type II (ATII) cells act as adult stem cells contributing to alveolar type I (ATI) cell renewal and play a major role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), as supported by familial cases harbouring mutations in genes specifically expressed by these cells. During IPF, ATII cells lose their regenerative potential and aberrantly express pathways contributing to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The microRNA miR-200 family is downregulated in IPF, but its effect on human IPF ATII cells remains unproven. We wanted to 1) evaluate the characteristics and transdifferentiating ability of IPF ATII cells, and 2) test whether miR-200 family members can rescue the regenerative potential of fibrotic ATII cells. Methods ATII cells were isolated from control or IPF lungs and cultured in conditions promoting their transdifferentiation into ATI cells. Cells were either phenotypically monitored over time or transfected with miR-200 family members to evaluate the microRNA effect on the expression of transdifferentiation, senescence and EMT markers. Results IPF ATII cells show a senescent phenotype (p16 and p21), overexpression of EMT (ZEB1/2) and impaired expression of ATI cell markers (AQP5 and HOPX) after 6 days of culture in differentiating medium. Transfection with certain miR-200 family members (particularly miR-200b-3p and miR-200c-3p) reduced senescence marker expression and restored the ability to transdifferentiate into ATI cells. Conclusions We demonstrated that ATII cells from IPF patients express senescence and EMT markers, and display a reduced ability to transdifferentiate into ATI cells. Transfection with certain miR-200 family members rescues this phenotype, reducing senescence and restoring transdifferentiation marker expression. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis alveolar epithelial type II cells show senescence and EMT features, but miR-200b and miR-200c can restore the ability of type II cells to transdifferentiate in vitro into type I alveolar epithelial cellshttp://bit.ly/359tlit
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moimas
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-first authors)
| | - Francesco Salton
- Pulmonology Dept, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-first authors)
| | - Beata Kosmider
- Center for Inflammation, Translational and Clinical Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Physiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-first authors)
| | - Nadja Ring
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria C Volpe
- Pulmonology Dept, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy.,Dept of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Karim Bahmed
- Center for Inflammation, Translational and Clinical Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luca Braga
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Michael Rehman
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Marla R Wolfson
- Center for Inflammation, Translational and Clinical Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Physiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,CENTRe: Collaborative for Environmental and Neonatal Therapeutics, Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathaniel Marchetti
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Rogers
- Center for Inflammation, Translational and Clinical Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,Dept of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gerard J Criner
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-last authors)
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,Dept of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-last authors)
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Dept, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy.,Dept of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work (co-last authors)
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19
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Zhang J, Li S, Liu J, Li L, Deng F, Baikeli B, Li L, Ma X, Liu G. Higher expression levels of aquaporin (AQP)1 and AQP5 in the lungs of arid-desert living Lepus yarkandensis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 104:1186-1195. [PMID: 31828851 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Water transport across epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli is a crucial component of lung physiology. Aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate water transport across the air space-capillary barrier in the distal lung. However, the roles of lung AQPs in desert animal adaptation to dry airstream environments are still unclear. A hare (Lepus yarkandensis) only lives in the Tarim Basin, and its living environment is an arid climate with rare precipitation. We studied cellular localization and expression levels of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP5 in L. yarkandensis lungs by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The lung of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that inhabit in mesic environment was similarly studied. Obtained results in two species of animals were compared to investigate whether AQPs in the lung altered expression in the animal living in arid region. AQP1 was localized to the endothelial cells in capillaries and venules surrounding terminal bronchioles and alveoli. AQP5 was localized to the ciliated columnar cells in terminal bronchioles and the alveolar type I cells in the alveolus. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed higher AQP1 and AQP5 mRNA levels in L. yarkandensis compared to O. cuniculus. Similar results were obtained by Western blot. These results revealed that the higher expression levels of AQP1 and AQP5 played a significant role in water transport in the lungs of arid-desert living L. yarkandensis and might accelerate water transport from capillary compartments to the airspace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Zhang
- College of Life Science, Tarim University, Alar, China.,Key Lab of Biological Resources Protection and Utilization in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alar, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Shuwei Li
- College of Life Science, Tarim University, Alar, China.,Key Lab of Biological Resources Protection and Utilization in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lexing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Fang Deng
- College of Life Science, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | | | - Linrui Li
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding and Agricultural Animal Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuanye Ma
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding and Agricultural Animal Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.,Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding and Agricultural Animal Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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20
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Zhang C, Zhu X, Hua Y, Zhao Q, Wang K, Zhen L, Wang G, Lü J, Luo A, Cho WC, Lin X, Yu Z. YY1 mediates TGF-β1-induced EMT and pro-fibrogenesis in alveolar epithelial cells. Respir Res 2019; 20:249. [PMID: 31703732 PMCID: PMC6839144 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1223-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease associated with lung damage and scarring. The pathological mechanism causing pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. Emerging evidence suggests prominent roles of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in myofibroblast formation and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous work has demonstrated the regulation of YY1 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pathogenesis of fibroid lung. However, the specific function of YY1 in AECs during the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is yet to be determined. Herein, we found the higher level of YY1 in primary fibroblasts than that in primary epithelial cells from the lung of mouse. A549 and BEAS-2B cells, serving as models for type II alveolar pulmonary epithelium in vitro, were used to determine the function of YY1 during EMT of AECs. TGF-β-induced activation of the pro-fibrotic program was applied to determine the role YY1 may play in pro-fibrogenesis of type II alveolar epithelial cells. Upregulation of YY1 was associated with EMT and pro-fibrotic phenotype induced by TGF-β treatment. Targeted knockdown of YY1 abrogated the EMT induction by TGF-β treatment. Enforced expression of YY1 can partly mimic the TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic change in either A549 cell line or primary alveolar epithelial cells, indicating the induction of YY1 expression may mediate the TGF-β-induced EMT and pro-fibrosis. In addition, the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was demonstrated in A549 cells after TGF-β treatment and/or YY1 overexpression, suggesting that NF-κB-YY1 signaling pathway regulates pulmonary fibrotic progression in lung epithelial cells. These findings will shed light on the better understanding of mechanisms regulating pro-fibrogenesis in AECs and pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyi Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yifei Hua
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Kaijing Wang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Lixiao Zhen
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Guangxue Wang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jinhui Lü
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - An Luo
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Zuoren Yu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China. .,Shanghai Institute of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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21
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Sun T, Huang Z, Zhang H, Posner C, Jia G, Ramalingam TR, Xu M, Brightbill H, Egen JG, Dey A, Arron JR. TAZ is required for lung alveolar epithelial cell differentiation after injury. JCI Insight 2019; 5:128674. [PMID: 31211697 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung is a relatively quiescent organ during homeostasis, but has a remarkable capacity for repair after injury. Alveolar epithelial type I cells (AEC1s) line airspaces and mediate gas exchange. After injury, they are regenerated by differentiation from their progenitors - alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC2s) - which also secrete surfactant to maintain surface tension and alveolar patency. While recent studies showed that the maintenance of AEC2 stemness is Wnt dependent, the molecular mechanisms underlying AEC2-AEC1 differentiation in adult lung repair are still incompletely understood. Here we show that WWTR1 (TAZ) plays a crucial role in AEC differentiation. Using an in vitro organoid culture system, we found that tankyrase inhibition can efficiently block AEC2-AEC1 differentiation, and this effect was due to the inhibition of TAZ. In a bleomycin induced lung injury model, conditional deletion of TAZ in AEC2s dramatically reduced AEC1 regeneration during recovery, leading to exacerbated alveolar lesions and fibrosis. In patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), decreased blood levels of RAGE, a biomarker of AEC1 health, were associated with more rapid disease progression. Our findings implicate TAZ as a critical factor involved in AEC2 to AEC1 differentiation, and hence the maintenance of alveolar integrity after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Translational Immunology
| | | | | | | | - Min Xu
- Department of Translational Immunology
| | | | | | - Anwesha Dey
- Department of Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California, USA
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Downregulation of Aquaporins (AQP1 and AQP5) and Na,K-ATPase in Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus-Infected Pig Lungs. Inflammation 2018. [PMID: 29532265 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) and Na,K-ATPase control water transport across the air space-capillary barrier in the distal lung and play an important role in the formation and resolution of lung edema. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection usually causes pulmonary inflammation and edema in the infected pig lungs. To investigate the possibility that PRRSV infection may cause altered expression of AQPs and Na,K-ATPase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and protein expression of AQP1, AQP5, and Na,K-ATPase in the PRRSV-infected pig lungs were detected. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed markedly decreased mRNA levels of AQP1 and AQP5 and Na,K-ATPase in the PRRSV-infected pig lungs compared to those of uninfected pig lungs. Western blot studies also revealed significantly reduced levels of AQP1, AQP5, and Na,K-ATPase proteins in the PRRSV-infected pig lungs. In addition, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed decreased protein expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the endothelial cells of the capillaries and venules and secretory cells of terminal bronchiole and the alveolar type I cells, respectively. The expression of Na,K-ATPase in the basolateral membrane of alveolar type II cells presented great reduction in the PRRSV-infected pig lungs. To further understand the reduction of these proteins, the ubiquitination of AQP1 and Na,K-ATPase was examined in uninfected and PRRSV-infected pig lungs. The results showed that there is no difference of ubiquitination for these proteins. Thus, our results suggest that PRRSV infection may induce downregulation of these proteins and cause impairment of edema resolution by failed water clearance in the infected pig lungs.
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Meli R, Pirozzi C, Pelagalli A. New Perspectives on the Potential Role of Aquaporins (AQPs) in the Physiology of Inflammation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:101. [PMID: 29503618 PMCID: PMC5820367 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are emerging, in the last few decades, as critical proteins regulating water fluid homeostasis in cells involved in inflammation. AQPs represent a family of ubiquitous membrane channels that regulate osmotically water flux in various tissues and sometimes the transport of small solutes, including glycerol. Extensive data indicate that AQPs, working as water channel proteins, regulate not only cell migration, but also common events essential for inflammatory response. The involvement of AQPs in several inflammatory processes, as demonstrated by their dysregulation both in human and animal diseases, identifies their new role in protection and response to different noxious stimuli, including bacterial infection. This contribution could represent a new key to clarify the dilemma of host-pathogen communications, and opens up new scenarios regarding the investigation of the modulation of specific AQPs, as target for new pharmacological therapies. This review provides updated information on the underlying mechanisms of AQPs in the regulation of inflammatory responses in mammals and discusses the broad spectrum of options that can be tailored for different diseases and their pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pirozzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
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24
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Dolinay T, Himes BE, Shumyatcher M, Lawrence GG, Margulies SS. Integrated Stress Response Mediates Epithelial Injury in Mechanical Ventilation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:193-203. [PMID: 28363030 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0404oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a severe complication of mechanical ventilation that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. VILI is characterized by damage to the epithelial barrier with subsequent pulmonary edema and profound hypoxia. Available lung-protective ventilator strategies offer only a modest benefit in preventing VILI because they cannot impede alveolar overdistension and concomitant epithelial barrier dysfunction in the inflamed lung regions. There are currently no effective biochemical therapies to mitigate injury to the alveolar epithelium. We hypothesize that alveolar stretch activates the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway and that the chemical inhibition of this pathway mitigates alveolar barrier disruption during stretch and mechanical ventilation. Using our established rat primary type I-like alveolar epithelial cell monolayer stretch model and in vivo rat mechanical ventilation that mimics the alveolar overdistension seen in acute respiratory distress syndrome, we studied epithelial responses to mechanical stress. Our studies revealed that the ISR signaling pathway is a key modulator of epithelial permeability. We show that prolonged epithelial stretch and injurious mechanical ventilation activate the ISR, leading to increased alveolar permeability, cell death, and proinflammatory signaling. Chemical inhibition of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, an upstream regulator of the pathway, resulted in decreased injury signaling and improved barrier function after prolonged cyclic stretch and injurious mechanical ventilation. Our results provide new evidence that therapeutic targeting of the ISR can mitigate VILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Dolinay
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Blanca E Himes
- 2 Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, and
| | - Maya Shumyatcher
- 2 Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, and
| | - Gladys Gray Lawrence
- 3 Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan S Margulies
- 3 Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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25
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Beers MF, Moodley Y. When Is an Alveolar Type 2 Cell an Alveolar Type 2 Cell? A Conundrum for Lung Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:18-27. [PMID: 28326803 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0426ps] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating mature, differentiated, adult lung cells from pluripotent cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, offers the hope of both generating disease-specific in vitro models and creating definitive and personalized therapies for a host of debilitating lung parenchymal and airway diseases. With the goal of advancing lung-regenerative medicine, several groups have developed and reported on protocols using defined media, coculture with mesenchymal components, or sequential treatments mimicking lung development, to obtain distal lung epithelial cells from stem cell precursors. However, there remains significant controversy about the degree of differentiation of these cells compared with their primary counterparts, coupled with a lack of consistency or uniformity in assessing the resultant phenotypes. Given the inevitable, exponential expansion of these approaches and the probable, but yet-to-emerge second and higher generation techniques to create such assets, we were prompted to pose the question, what makes a lung epithelial cell a lung epithelial cell? More specifically for this Perspective, we also posed the question, what are the minimum features that constitute an alveolar type (AT) 2 epithelial cell? In addressing this, we summarize a body of work spanning nearly five decades, amassed by a series of "lung epithelial cell biology pioneers," which carefully describes well characterized molecular, functional, and morphological features critical for discriminately assessing an AT2 phenotype. Armed with this, we propose a series of core criteria to assist the field in confirming that cells obtained following a differentiation protocol are indeed mature and functional AT2 epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Beers
- 1 Lung Epithelial Biology Laboratories, Penn Center for Pulmonary Biology, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Yuben Moodley
- 2 University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Research Institute, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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26
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Marconett CN, Zhou B, Sunohara M, Pouldar TM, Wang H, Liu Y, Rieger ME, Tran E, Flodby P, Siegmund KD, Crandall ED, Laird-Offringa IA, Borok Z. Cross-Species Transcriptome Profiling Identifies New Alveolar Epithelial Type I Cell-Specific Genes. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 56:310-321. [PMID: 27749084 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0071oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases involving the distal lung alveolar epithelium include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung adenocarcinoma. Accurate labeling of specific cell types is critical for determining the contribution of each to the pathogenesis of these diseases. The distal lung alveolar epithelium is composed of two cell types, alveolar epithelial type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) cells. Although cell type-specific markers, most prominently surfactant protein C, have allowed detailed lineage tracing studies of AT2 cell differentiation and the cells' roles in disease, studies of AT1 cells have been hampered by a lack of genes with expression unique to AT1 cells. In this study, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of multiple rat organs together with purified rat AT2, AT1, and in vitro differentiated AT1-like cells, resulting in the identification of 54 candidate AT1 cell markers. Cross-referencing with genes up-regulated in human in vitro differentiated AT1-like cells narrowed the potential list to 18 candidate genes. Testing the top four candidate genes at RNA and protein levels revealed GRAM domain 2 (GRAMD2), a protein of unknown function, as highly specific to AT1 cells. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) confirmed that GRAMD2 is transcriptionally silent in human AT2 cells. Immunofluorescence verified that GRAMD2 expression is restricted to the plasma membrane of AT1 cells and is not expressed in bronchial epithelial cells, whereas reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed that it is not expressed in endothelial cells. Using GRAMD2 as a new AT1 cell-specific gene will enhance AT1 cell isolation, the investigation of alveolar epithelial cell differentiation potential, and the contribution of AT1 cells to distal lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Marconett
- Departments of 1 Surgery and.,2 Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.,3 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- 3 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.,4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Mitsuhiro Sunohara
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | | | - Hongjun Wang
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Yixin Liu
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Megan E Rieger
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Evelyn Tran
- Departments of 1 Surgery and.,2 Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.,3 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Per Flodby
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Kimberly D Siegmund
- 5 Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Edward D Crandall
- 4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
| | - Ite A Laird-Offringa
- Departments of 1 Surgery and.,2 Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.,3 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Zea Borok
- 2 Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.,3 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.,4 Department of Medicine, Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and
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27
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Cell-specific expression of aquaporin-5 (Aqp5) in alveolar epithelium is directed by GATA6/Sp1 via histone acetylation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3473. [PMID: 28615712 PMCID: PMC5471216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of differentiation-related genes is poorly understood. We previously reported that transcription factors GATA6 and Sp1 interact with and activate the rat proximal 358-bp promoter/enhancer (p358P/E) of lung alveolar epithelial type I (AT1) cell-specific gene aquaporin-5 (Aqp5). In this study, we found that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) increased AQP5 expression and Sp1-mediated transcription of p358P/E. HDAC3 overexpression inhibited Sp1-mediated Aqp5 activation, while HDAC3 knockdown augmented AQP5 protein expression. Knockdown of GATA6 or transcriptional co-activator/histone acetyltransferase p300 decreased AQP5 expression, while p300 overexpression enhanced p358P/E activation by GATA6 and Sp1. GATA6 overexpression, SAHA treatment or HDAC3 knockdown increased histone H3 (H3) but not histone H4 (H4) acetylation within the homologous p358P/E region of mouse Aqp5. HDAC3 binds to Sp1 and HDAC3 knockdown increased interaction of GATA6/Sp1, GATA6/p300 and Sp1/p300. These results indicate that GATA6 and HDAC3 control Aqp5 transcription via modulation of H3 acetylation/deacetylation, respectively, through competition for binding to Sp1, and suggest that p300 modulates acetylation and/or interacts with GATA6/Sp1 to regulate Aqp5 transcription. Cooperative interactions among transcription factors and histone modifications regulate Aqp5 expression during alveolar epithelial cell transdifferentiation, suggesting that HDAC inhibitors may enhance repair by promoting acquisition of AT1 cell phenotype.
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29
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Gottfried L, Lin X, Barravecchia M, Dean DA. Identification of an alveolar type I epithelial cell-specific DNA nuclear import sequence for gene delivery. Gene Ther 2016; 23:734-742. [PMID: 27367840 PMCID: PMC10141512 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ability to restrict gene delivery and expression to particular cell types is of paramount importance for many types of gene therapy, especially in the lung. The alveolar epithelial type I (ATI) cell, in particular, is an attractive cell type to target, as it comprises 95% of the internal surface area of the lung. We demonstrate, through microinjection of fluorescently labeled plasmids, that a DNA sequence within the rat T1α promoter was able to mediate ATI cell-specific plasmid DNA nuclear import due to the binding of ATI-enriched transcription factors. Promoter deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of specific transcription-factor-binding sites within the +101 to -200 bp region of the T1α promoter identified HNF3 and TTF-1 as critical transcription factors for import. To test for nuclear import in vivo, plasmids expressing GFP from the CMV promoter were delivered into the lungs of mice by electroporation and evaluated immunohistochemically 48 h later. Plasmids carrying the 1.3 kbp T1α sequence resulted in GFP expression almost exclusively in ATI cells. This represents a new and highly efficient way to target a specific lung epithelial cell type both in vitro and in vivo based on the restriction of DNA nuclear import.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gottfried
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - X Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Barravecchia
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - D A Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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30
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31
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Differential Regulation of Gene Expression of Alveolar Epithelial Cell Markers in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma-Derived A549 Clones. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:165867. [PMID: 26167183 PMCID: PMC4488158 DOI: 10.1155/2015/165867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy appears to be promising for restoring damaged or irreparable lung tissue. However, establishing a simple and reproducible protocol for preparing lung progenitor populations is difficult because the molecular basis for alveolar epithelial cell differentiation is not fully understood. We investigated an in vitro system to analyze the regulatory mechanisms of alveolus-specific gene expression using a human alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cell line, A549. After cloning A549 subpopulations, each clone was classified into five groups according to cell morphology and marker gene expression. Two clones (B7 and H12) were further analyzed. Under serum-free culture conditions, surfactant protein C (SPC), an ATII marker, was upregulated in both H12 and B7. Aquaporin 5 (AQP5), an ATI marker, was upregulated in H12 and significantly induced in B7. When the RAS/MAPK pathway was inhibited, SPC and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression levels were enhanced. After treatment with dexamethasone (DEX), 8-bromoadenosine 3′5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), surfactant protein B and TTF-1 expression levels were enhanced. We found that A549-derived clones have plasticity in gene expression of alveolar epithelial differentiation markers and could be useful in studying ATII maintenance and differentiation.
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32
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Hou A, Fu J, Yang H, Zhu Y, Pan Y, Xu S, Xue X. Hyperoxia stimulates the transdifferentiation of type II alveolar epithelial cells in newborn rats. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 308:L861-72. [PMID: 25681436 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00099.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplemental oxygen treatment in preterm infants may cause bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which is characterized by alveolar simplification and vascular disorganization. Despite type II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC II) damage being reported previously, we found no decrease in the AEC II-specific marker, surfactant protein C (SP-C), in the BPD model in our previous study. We thus speculated that AEC II injury is not a unique mechanism of BPD-related pulmonary epithelial repair dysfunction and that abnormal transdifferentiation can exist. Newborn rats were randomly assigned to model (85% oxygen inhalation) and control groups (room air inhalation). Expressions of AEC I (aquaporin 5, T1α) and AEC II markers (SP-C, SP-B) were detected at three levels: 1) in intact lung tissue, 2) in AEC II isolated from rats in the two groups, and 3) in AEC II isolated from newborn rats, which were further cultured under either hyperoxic or normoxic conditions. In the model group, increased AEC I was observed at both the tissue and cell level, and markedly increased transdifferentiation was observed by immunofluorescent double staining. Transmission electron microscopy revealed morphological changes in alveolar epithelium such as damaged AECs, a fused air-blood barrier structure, and opened tight junctions in the model group. These findings indicate that transdifferentiation of AECs is not suppressed but rather is increased under hyperoxic treatment by compensation; however, such repair during injury cannot offset pulmonary epithelial air exchange and barrier dysfunction caused by structural damage to AECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianhua Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haiping Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuting Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuqing Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuyan Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xindong Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Katsirntaki K, Mauritz C, Olmer R, Schmeckebier S, Sgodda M, Puppe V, Eggenschwiler R, Duerr J, Schubert SC, Schmiedl A, Ochs M, Cantz T, Salwig I, Szibor M, Braun T, Rathert C, Martens A, Mall MA, Martin U. Bronchoalveolar sublineage specification of pluripotent stem cells: effect of dexamethasone plus cAMP-elevating agents and keratinocyte growth factor. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 21:669-82. [PMID: 25316003 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2014.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory progenitors can be efficiently generated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). However, further targeted differentiation into bronchoalveolar sublineages is still in its infancy, and distinct specifying effects of key differentiation factors are not well explored. Focusing on airway epithelial Clara cell generation, we analyzed the effect of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone plus cAMP-elevating agents (DCI) on the differentiation of murine embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into bronchoalveolar epithelial lineages, and whether keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) might further influence lineage decisions. We demonstrate that DCI strongly induce expression of the Clara cell marker Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP). While KGF synergistically supports the inducing effect of DCI on alveolar markers with increased expression of surfactant protein (SP)-C and SP-B, an inhibitory effect on CCSP expression was shown. In contrast, neither KGF nor DCI seem to have an inducing effect on ciliated cell markers. Furthermore, the use of iPSCs from transgenic mice with CCSP promoter-dependent lacZ expression or a knockin of a YFP reporter cassette in the CCSP locus enabled detection of derivatives with Clara cell typical features. Collectively, DCI was shown to support bronchoalveolar specification of mouse PSCs, in particular Clara-like cells, and KGF to inhibit bronchial epithelial differentiation. The targeted in vitro generation of Clara cells with their important function in airway protection and regeneration will enable the evaluation of innovative cellular therapies in animal models of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherina Katsirntaki
- 1 Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
I am deeply honored to have been awarded an American Thoracic Society Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishment for 2014. Over the last 20 years, it has become clear that the alveolar epithelium, my area of research focus, is not simply a gas exchange surface and barrier to leakage of fluid and protein into the alveoli, but is an active participant in the pathogenesis of a number of lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Recognition by this Award stimulates a review of the awardee's contributions to the field, as summarized in this perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zea Borok
- Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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35
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Johansson HM, Newman DR, Sannes PL. Whole-genome analysis of temporal gene expression during early transdifferentiation of human lung alveolar epithelial type 2 cells in vitro. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93413. [PMID: 24690998 PMCID: PMC3972118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the surfactant-producing pulmonary alveolar epithelial type II (AT2) cell acts as the progenitor of the type I (AT1) cell, but the regulatory mechanisms involved in this relationship remain the subject of active investigation. While previous studies have established a number of specific markers that are expressed during transdifferentiation from AT2 to AT1 cells, we hypothesized that additional, previously unrecognized, signaling pathways and relevant cellular functions are transcriptionally regulated at early stages of AT2 transition. In this study, a discovery-based gene expression profile analysis was undertaken of freshly isolated human AT2 (hAT2) cells grown on extracellular matrix (ECM) substrata known to either support (type I collagen) or retard (Matrigel) the early transdifferentiation process into hAT1-like cells over the first three days. Cell type-specific expression patterns analyzed by Illumina Human HT-12 BeadChip yielded over 300 genes that were up- or down-regulated. Candidate genes significantly induced or down-regulated during hAT2 transition to hAT1-like cells compared to non-transitioning hAT2 cells were identified. Major functional groups were also recognized, including those of signaling and cytoskeletal proteins as well as genes of unknown function. Expression of established signatures of hAT2 and hAT1 cells, such as surfactant proteins, caveolin-1, and channels and transporters, was confirmed. Selected novel genes further validated by qRT-PCR, protein expression analysis, and/or cellular localization included SPOCK2, PLEKHO1, SPRED1, RAB11FIP1, PTRF/CAVIN-1 and RAP1GAP. These results further demonstrate the utility of genome-wide analysis to identify relevant, novel cell type-specific signatures of early ECM-regulated alveolar epithelial transdifferentiation processes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Morales Johansson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Donna R. Newman
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Philip L. Sannes
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Rozycki HJ. Potential contribution of type I alveolar epithelial cells to chronic neonatal lung disease. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:45. [PMID: 24904906 PMCID: PMC4032902 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The alveolar surface is covered by large flat Type I cells (alveolar epithelial cells 1, AEC1). The normal physiological function of AEC1s involves gas exchange, based on their location in approximation to the capillary endothelium and their thinness, and in ion and water flux, as shown by the presence of solute active transport proteins, water channels, and impermeable tight junctions between cells. With the recent ability to produce relatively pure cultures of AEC1 cells, new functions have been described. These may be relevant to lung injury, repair, and the abnormal development that characterizes bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). To hypothesize a potential role for AEC1 in the development of lung injury and abnormal repair/development in premature lungs, evidence is presented for their presence in the developing lung, how their source may not be the Type II cell (AEC2) as has been assumed for 40 years, and how the cell can be damaged by same type of stressors as those which lead to BPD. Recent work shows that the cells are part of the innate immune response, capable of producing pro-inflammatory mediators, which could contribute to the increase in inflammation seen in early BPD. One of the receptors found exclusively on AEC1 cells in the lung, called RAGE, may also have a role in increased inflammation and alveolar simplification. While the current evidence for AEC1 involvement in BPD is circumstantial and limited at present, the accumulating data supports several hypotheses and questions regarding potential differences in the behavior of AEC1 cells from newborn and premature lung compared with the adult lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Rozycki
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA
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Li J, Huang S, Wu Y, Gu C, Gao D, Feng C, Wu X, Fu X. Paracrine factors from mesenchymal stem cells: a proposed therapeutic tool for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Int Wound J 2013; 11:114-21. [PMID: 24373614 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive researches in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), current pharmacological therapies and respiratory support are still the main methods to treat patients with ALI and ARDS and the effects remain limited. Hence, innovative therapies are needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Because of the proven therapeutic effects in other fields, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be considered as a promising alternative to treat ALI and ARDS. Numerous documents demonstrate that MSCs can exert multiple functions, such as engraftment, differentiation and immunoregulation, but now the key researches are concentrated on paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that can mediate endothelial and epithelial permeability, increase alveolar fluid clearance and other potential mechanisms. This review aimed to review the current researches in terms of the effects of MSCs on ALI and ARDS and to analyse these paracrine factors, as well as to predict the potential directions and challenges of the application in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, The First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of PLA, Trauma Center of Postgraduate Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
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Zhao L, Yee M, O'Reilly MA. Transdifferentiation of alveolar epithelial type II to type I cells is controlled by opposing TGF-β and BMP signaling. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L409-18. [PMID: 23831617 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00032.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells are essential for maintaining normal lung homeostasis because they produce surfactant, express innate immune proteins, and can function as progenitors for alveolar epithelial type I (ATI) cells. Although autocrine production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has been shown to promote the transdifferentiation of primary rat ATII to ATI cells in vitro, mechanisms controlling this process still remain poorly defined. Here, evidence is provided that Tgf-β1, -2, -3 mRNA and phosphorylated SMAD2 and SMAD3 significantly increase as primary cultures of mouse ATII cells transdifferentiate to ATI cells. Concomitantly, bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp)-2 and -4 mRNA, and phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8 expression decrease. Exogenously supplied recombinant human TGF-β1 inhibited BMP signaling and enhanced transdifferentiation by promoting the loss of ATII cell-specific gene expression and weakly stimulating ATI cell-specific gene expression. On the other hand, exogenously supplied recombinant human BMP-4 inhibited TGF-β signaling and delayed transdifferentiation by inhibiting the gain in ATI cell-specific gene expression and weakly delaying the loss of ATII cell-specific gene expression. In mouse lung epithelial (MLE15) cells, small-interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of TGF-β receptor type-1 enhanced basal expression of ATII genes while siRNA RNA knockdown of BMP receptors type-1a and -1b enhanced basal expression of ATI genes. Together, these results suggest that the rate of ATII cell transdifferentiation is controlled by the opposing actions of BMP and TGF-β signaling that switch during the process of transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhao
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Box 850, The Univ. of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester NY 14642.
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Aggarwal NR, Chau E, Garibaldi BT, Mock JR, Sussan T, Rao K, Rao K, Menon AG, D'Alessio FR, Damarla M, Biswal S, King LS, Sidhaye VK. Aquaporin 5 regulates cigarette smoke induced emphysema by modulating barrier and immune properties of the epithelium. Tissue Barriers 2013; 1:e25248. [PMID: 24665410 PMCID: PMC3783223 DOI: 10.4161/tisb.25248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoke, the most common risk factor for COPD, induces airway and alveolar epithelial barrier permeability and initiates an innate immune response. Changes in abundance of aquaporin 5 (AQP5), a water channel, can affect epithelial permeability and immune response after cigarette smoke exposure. To determine how AQP5-derived epithelial barrier modulation affects epithelial immune response to cigarette smoke and development of emphysema, WT and AQP5−/− mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). We measured alveolar cell counts and differentials, and assessed histology, mean-linear intercept (MLI), and surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) to determine severity of emphysema. We quantified epithelial-derived signaling proteins for neutrophil trafficking, and manipulated AQP5 levels in an alveolar epithelial cell line to determine specific effects on neutrophil transmigration after CS exposure. We assessed paracellular permeability and epithelial turnover in response to CS. In contrast to WT mice, AQP5−/− mice exposed to 6 months of CS did not demonstrate a significant increase in MLI or a significant decrease in S/V compared with air-exposed mice, conferring protection against emphysema. After sub-acute (4 weeks) and chronic (6 mo) CS exposure, AQP5−/− mice had fewer alveolar neutrophil but similar lung neutrophil numbers as WT mice. The presence of AQP5 in A549 cells, an alveolar epithelial cell line, was associated with increase neutrophil migration after CS exposure. Compared with CS-exposed WT mice, neutrophil ligand (CD11b) and epithelial receptor (ICAM-1) expression were reduced in CS-exposed AQP5−/− mice, as was secreted LPS-induced chemokine (LIX), an epithelial-derived neutrophil chemoattractant. CS-exposed AQP5−/− mice demonstrated decreased type I pneumocytes and increased type II pneumocytes compared with CS-exposed WT mice suggestive of enhanced epithelial repair. Absence of AQP5 protected against CS-induced emphysema with reduced epithelial permeability, neutrophil migration, and altered epithelial cell turnover which may enhance repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Aggarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Eric Chau
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Brian T Garibaldi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jason R Mock
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Thomas Sussan
- School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Keshav Rao
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kaavya Rao
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Anil G Menon
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Biochemistry and Microbiology; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati OH, USA
| | - Franco R D'Alessio
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Mahendra Damarla
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Shyam Biswal
- School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Landon S King
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Venkataramana K Sidhaye
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore, MD USA
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Ghosh MC, Gorantla V, Makena PS, Luellen C, Sinclair SE, Schwingshackl A, Waters CM. Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates differentiation of ATII cells to ATI-like cells through activation of Wnt5a. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L222-8. [PMID: 23709620 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00014.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar type II (ATII) epithelial cells play a crucial role in the repair and remodeling of the lung following injury. ATII cells have the capability to proliferate and differentiate into alveolar type I (ATI) cells in vivo and into an ATI-like phenotype in vitro. While previous reports indicate that the differentiation of ATII cells into ATI cells is a complex biological process, the underlying mechanism responsible for differentiation is not fully understood. To investigate factors involved in this differentiation in culture, we used a PCR array and identified several genes that were either up- or downregulated in ATI-like cells (day 6 in culture) compared with day 2 ATII cells. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA was increased nearly eightfold. We found that IGF-I was increased in the culture media of ATI-like cells and demonstrated a significant role in the differentiation process. Treatment of ATII cells with recombinant IGF-I accelerated the differentiation process, and this effect was abrogated by the IGF-I receptor blocker PQ401. We found that Wnt5a, a member of the Wnt-Frizzled pathway, was activated during IGF-I-mediated differentiation. Both protein kinase C and β-catenin were transiently activated during transdifferentiation. Knocking down Wnt5a using small-interfering RNA abrogated the differentiation process as indicated by changes in the expression of an ATII cell marker (prosurfactant protein-C). Treatment of wounded cells with either IGF-I or Wnt5a stimulated wound closure. These results suggest that IGF-I promotes differentiation of ATII to ATI cells through the activation of a noncanonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manik C Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Schmeckebier S, Mauritz C, Katsirntaki K, Sgodda M, Puppe V, Duerr J, Schubert SC, Schmiedl A, Lin Q, Paleček J, Draeger G, Ochs M, Zenke M, Cantz T, Mall MA, Martin U. Keratinocyte growth factor and dexamethasone plus elevated cAMP levels synergistically support pluripotent stem cell differentiation into alveolar epithelial type II cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 19:938-51. [PMID: 23176317 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2012.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial type II (ATII)-like cells can be generated from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs), although to date, no robust protocols applying specific differentiation factors are established. We hypothesized that the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), an important mediator of lung organogenesis and primary ATII cell maturation and proliferation, together with dexamethasone, 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP, and isobutylmethylxanthine (DCI), which induce maturation of primary fetal ATII cells, also support the alveolar differentiation of murine ESCs. Here we demonstrate that the above stimuli synergistically potentiate the alveolar differentiation of ESCs as indicated by increased expression of the surfactant proteins (SP-) C and SP-B. This effect is most profound if KGF is supplied not only in the late stage, but at least also during the intermediate stage of differentiation. Our results indicate that KGF most likely does not enhance the generation of (mes)endodermal or NK2 homeobox 1 (Nkx2.1) expressing progenitor cells but rather, supported by DCI, accelerates further differentiation/maturation of respiratory progeny in the intermediate phase and maturation/proliferation of emerging ATII cells in the late stage of differentiation. Ultrastructural analyses confirmed the presence of ATII-like cells with intracellular composite and lamellar bodies. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from transgenic mice with ATII cell-specific lacZ reporter expression. Again, KGF and DCI synergistically increased SP-C and SP-B expression in iPSC cultures, and lacZ expressing ATII-like cells developed. In conclusion, ATII cell-specific reporter expression enabled the first reliable proof for the generation of murine iPSC-derived ATII cells. In addition, we have shown KGF and DCI to synergistically support the generation of ATII-like cells from ESCs and iPSCs. Combined application of these factors will facilitate more efficient generation of stem cell-derived ATII cells for future basic research and potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Schmeckebier
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Thompson KE, Korbmacher JP, Hecht E, Hobi N, Wittekindt OH, Dietl P, Kranz C, Frick M. Fusion-activated cation entry (FACE) via P2X₄ couples surfactant secretion and alveolar fluid transport. FASEB J 2013; 27:1772-83. [PMID: 23307836 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-220533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Two fundamental mechanisms within alveoli are essential for lung function: regulated fluid transport and secretion of surfactant. Surfactant is secreted via exocytosis of lamellar bodies (LBs) in alveolar type II (ATII) cells. We recently reported that LB exocytosis results in fusion-activated cation entry (FACE) via P2X₄ receptors on LBs. We propose that FACE, in addition to facilitating surfactant secretion, modulates alveolar fluid transport. Correlative fluorescence and atomic force microscopy revealed that FACE-dependent water influx correlated with individual fusion events in rat primary ATII cells. Moreover, ATII cell monolayers grown at air-liquid interface exhibited increases in short-circuit current (Isc) on stimulation with ATP or UTP. Both are potent agonists for LB exocytosis, but only ATP activates FACE. ATP, not UTP, elicited additional fusion-dependent increases in Isc. Overexpressing dominant-negative P2X₄ abrogated this effect by ∼50%, whereas potentiating P2X4 lead to ∼80% increase in Isc. Finally, we monitored changes in alveolar surface liquid (ASL) on ATII monolayers by confocal microscopy. Only stimulation with ATP, not UTP, led to a significant, fusion-dependent, 20% decrease in ASL, indicating apical-to-basolateral fluid transport across ATII monolayers. Our data support the first direct link between LB exocytosis, regulation of surfactant secretion, and transalveolar fluid resorption via FACE.
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Angelini DJ, Dorsey RM, Willis KL, Hong C, Moyer RA, Oyler J, Jensen NS, Salem H. Chemical warfare agent and biological toxin-induced pulmonary toxicity: could stem cells provide potential therapies? Inhal Toxicol 2013; 25:37-62. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2012.750406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Fan Q, Zhao P, Li J, Xie X, Xu M, Zhang Y, Mu D, Li W, Sun R, Liu W, Nan Y, Zhang B, Jin F, Li Z. 17β-Estradiol administration attenuates seawater aspiration-induced acute lung injury in rats. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2011; 24:673-81. [PMID: 21820073 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
There is very little evidence on the value of administering estrogen in cases of seawater drowning which can induce acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment can attenuate seawater aspiration-induced ALI in rats. In the experiment, ALI was induced by endotracheal instillation of seawater (4mL/kg) and the rats were then given intraperitoneal injection of E2 (5mg/kg) 20min after seawater instillation. Finally, the changes of arterial blood gases which contained hydrogen ion concentration (pH), arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO(2)) were measured and the measurement of extravascular lung water (EVLW) was observed. The pulmonary histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin stain. The expression of aquaporins (AQPs) 1, AQP5, and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) was measured by western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that compared with normal saline water, seawater aspiration induced more serious ALI in rats which was markedly alleviated by E2 treatment. Meanwhile, the ERβ in lung tissues was activated after E2 administration. The seawater aspiration group also presented with severe pulmonary edema which was paralleled with over expressed AQP1 and AQP5. However, the up-regulation of AQP1 and AQP5 was suppressed by the administration of E2, resulting in an attenuation of lung edema. In conclusion, E2 treatment could effectively attenuate seawater aspiration-induced acute lung injury in rats by the down-regulation of AQP1 and AQP5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
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45
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Zhong Q, Zhou B, Ann DK, Minoo P, Liu Y, Banfalvi A, Krishnaveni MS, Dubourd M, Demaio L, Willis BC, Kim KJ, duBois RM, Crandall ED, Beers MF, Borok Z. Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of alveolar epithelial cells: effects of misfolded surfactant protein. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010; 45:498-509. [PMID: 21169555 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0347oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in alveolar epithelial type II (AT2) cell apoptosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We hypothesized that ER stress (either chemically induced or due to accumulation of misfolded proteins) is also associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). ER stress inducers, thapsigargin (TG) or tunicamycin (TN), increased expression of ER chaperone, Grp78, and spliced X-box binding protein 1, decreased epithelial markers, E-cadherin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), increased the myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and induced fibroblast-like morphology in both primary AECs and the AT2 cell line, RLE-6TN, consistent with EMT. Overexpression of the surfactant protein (SP)-C BRICHOS mutant SP-C(ΔExon4) in A549 cells increased Grp78 and α-SMA and disrupted ZO-1 distribution, and, in primary AECs, SP-C(ΔExon4) induced fibroblastic-like morphology, decreased ZO-1 and E-cadherin and increased α-SMA, mechanistically linking ER stress associated with mutant SP to fibrosis through EMT. Whereas EMT was evident at lower concentrations of TG or TN, higher concentrations caused apoptosis. The Src inhibitor, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4]pyramidine) (PP2), abrogated EMT associated with TN or TG in primary AECs, whereas overexpression of SP-C(ΔExon4) increased Src phosphorylation, suggesting a common mechanism. Furthermore, increased Grp78 immunoreactivity was observed in AT2 cells of mice after bleomycin injury, supporting a role for ER stress in epithelial abnormalities in fibrosis in vivo. These results demonstrate that ER stress induces EMT in AECs, at least in part through Src-dependent pathways, suggesting a novel role for ER stress in fibroblast accumulation in pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Will Rogers Institute Pulmonary Research Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Lu HY, Shao GB, Li WB, Wang H. Effects of hyperoxia on transdifferentiation of primary cultured typeII alveolar epithelial cells from premature rats. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2010; 47:64-72. [PMID: 21082284 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-010-9360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperoxia exposure is a significant risk factor for the impaired alveolarization characteristic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) may serve as "alveolar stem cells" to transdifferentiate into type I alveolar epithelial cells (AECIs). Here, we show that hyperoxia is capable of inducing transdifferentiation of AECIIs in premature rats in vitro. Hyperoxia-induced transdifferentiation was characterized by typical morphological changes, inhibition of cellular proliferation, decline in expression rate of Ki67, accumulation of cells in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle, increased expression of AECI-specific protein aquaporin 5, and decreased expression of AECII-associated protein surfactant protein C. These results suggest that hyperoxia may induce transdifferentiation of AECIIs into AECIs and the transdifferentiation may be responsible for repairing early lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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LaFemina MJ, Rokkam D, Chandrasena A, Pan J, Bajaj A, Johnson M, Frank JA. Keratinocyte growth factor enhances barrier function without altering claudin expression in primary alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2010; 299:L724-34. [PMID: 20833776 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00233.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has efficacy in several experimental models of lung injury; however, the mechanisms underlying KGF's protective effect remain incompletely understood. This study was undertaken to determine whether KGF augments barrier function in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells grown in culture, specifically whether KGF alters tight junction function via claudin expression. KGF significantly increased alveolar epithelial barrier function in culture as assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of freshly isolated type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) cells followed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that more than 97% of claudin mRNA transcripts in these cells were for claudins-3, -4, and -18. Using cultured AT2 cells, we then examined the effect of KGF on the protein levels of the claudins with the highest mRNA levels: -3, -4, -5, -7, -12, -15, and -18. KGF did not alter the levels of any of the claudins tested, nor of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) or occludin. Moreover, localization of claudins-3, -4, -18, and ZO-1 was unchanged. KGF did induce a marked increase in the apical perijunctional F-actin ring. Actin depolymerization with cytochalasin D blocked the KGF-mediated increase in TER without significantly changing TER in control cells. Together, these data support a novel mechanism by which KGF enhances alveolar barrier function, modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, these data demonstrate the complete claudin expression profile for AT1 and AT2 cells and indicate that claudins-3, -4, and -18 are the primary claudins expressed in these cell types.
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Ballard PL, Lee JW, Fang X, Chapin C, Allen L, Segal MR, Fischer H, Illek B, Gonzales LW, Kolla V, Matthay MA. Regulated gene expression in cultured type II cells of adult human lung. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2010; 299:L36-50. [PMID: 20382749 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00427.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar type II cells have multiple functions, including surfactant production and fluid clearance, which are critical for lung function. Differentiation of type II cells occurs in cultured fetal lung epithelial cells treated with dexamethasone plus cAMP and isobutylmethylxanthine (DCI) and involves increased expression of 388 genes. In this study, type II cells of human adult lung were isolated at approximately 95% purity, and gene expression was determined (Affymetrix) before and after culturing 5 days on collagen-coated dishes with or without DCI for the final 3 days. In freshly isolated cells, highly expressed genes included SFTPA/B/C, SCGB1A, IL8, CXCL2, and SFN in addition to ubiquitously expressed genes. Transcript abundance was correlated between fetal and adult cells (r = 0.88), with a subset of 187 genes primarily related to inflammation and immunity that were expressed >10-fold higher in adult cells. During control culture, expression increased for 8.1% of expressed genes and decreased for approximately 4% including 118 immune response and 10 surfactant-related genes. DCI treatment promoted lamellar body production and increased expression of approximately 3% of probed genes by > or =1.5-fold; 40% of these were also induced in fetal cells. Highly induced genes (> or =10-fold) included PGC, ZBTB16, DUOX1, PLUNC, CIT, and CRTAC1. Twenty-five induced genes, including six genes related to surfactant (SFTPA/B/C, PGC, CEBPD, and ADFP), also had decreased expression during control culture and thus are candidates for hormonal regulation in vivo. Our results further define the adult human type II cell molecular phenotype and demonstrate that a subset of genes remains hormone responsive in cultured adult cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Ballard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
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Crosby LM, Waters CM. Epithelial repair mechanisms in the lung. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2010; 298:L715-31. [PMID: 20363851 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00361.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recovery of an intact epithelium following lung injury is critical for restoration of lung homeostasis. The initial processes following injury include an acute inflammatory response, recruitment of immune cells, and epithelial cell spreading and migration upon an autologously secreted provisional matrix. Injury causes the release of factors that contribute to repair mechanisms including members of the epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor families (TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF), chemokines (MCP-1), interleukins (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13), and prostaglandins (PGE(2)), for example. These factors coordinate processes involving integrins, matrix materials (fibronectin, collagen, laminin), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9), focal adhesions, and cytoskeletal structures to promote cell spreading and migration. Several key signaling pathways are important in regulating these processes, including sonic hedgehog, Rho GTPases, MAP kinase pathways, STAT3, and Wnt. Changes in mechanical forces may also affect these pathways. Both localized and distal progenitor stem cells are recruited into the injured area, and proliferation and phenotypic differentiation of these cells leads to recovery of epithelial function. Persistent injury may contribute to the pathology of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. For example, dysregulated repair processes involving TGF-beta and epithelial-mesenchymal transition may lead to fibrosis. This review focuses on the processes of epithelial restitution, the localization and role of epithelial progenitor stem cells, the initiating factors involved in repair, and the signaling pathways involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Crosby
- Departments of 1Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163-0001, USA
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Yildirim AO, Muyal V, John G, Müller B, Seifart C, Kasper M, Fehrenbach H. Palifermin induces alveolar maintenance programs in emphysematous mice. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 181:705-17. [PMID: 20007933 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200804-573oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveoli with ensuing airspace enlargement and loss of alveoli. Induction of alveolar regeneration is still a major challenge in emphysema therapy. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether therapeutic application of palifermin (DeltaN23-KGF) is able to induce a regenerative response in distal lung parenchyma after induction of pulmonary emphysema. METHODS Mice were therapeutically treated at three occasions by oropharyngeal aspiration of 10 mg DeltaN23-KGF per kg body weight after induction of emphysema by porcine pancreatic elastase. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Airflow limitation associated with emphysema was largely reversed as assessed by noninvasive head-out body plethysmography. Porcine pancreatic elastase-induced airspace enlargement and loss of alveoli were partially reversed as assessed by design-based stereology. DeltaN23-KGF induced proliferation of epithelium, endothelium, and fibroblasts being associated with enhanced differentiation as well as increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, TGF-beta2, (phospho-) Smad2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and elastin as assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. DeltaN23-KGF induced the expression of TGF-beta1 in and release of active TGF-beta1 from primary mouse alveolar epithelial type 2 (AE2) cells, murine AE2-like cells LA-4, and cocultures of LA-4 and murine lung fibroblasts (MLF), but not in MLF cultured alone. Recombinant TGF-beta1 but not DeltaN23-KGF induced elastin gene expression in MLF. Blockade of TGF-signaling by neutralizing antibody abolished these effects of DeltaN23-KGF in LA-4/MLF cocultures. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that therapeutic application of DeltaN23-KGF has the potential to induce alveolar maintenance programs in emphysematous lungs and suggest that the regenerative effect on interstitial tissue is linked to AE2 cell-derived TGF-beta1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali O Yildirim
- Clinical Research Group Chronic Airway Diseases, Medical Faculty, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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