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Assayag M, Obedeyah T, Abutbul A, Berkman N. The integrin receptor beta 7 subunit mediates airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in allergen exposed mice. Respir Res 2024; 25:273. [PMID: 38997751 PMCID: PMC11241790 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast differentiation to a myofibroblast phenotype is a feature of airway remodeling in asthma. Lung fibroblasts express the integrin receptor α4β7 and fibronectin induces myofibroblast differentiation via this receptor. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of the β7 integrin receptor subunit and α4β7 integrin complex in airway remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a murine model of chronic allergen exposure. METHODS C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and β7 integrin null mice (β7 -/-) were sensitized (days 1,10) and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) three times a week for one or 4 weeks. Similar experiments were performed with WT mice in the presence or absence of α4β7 blocking antibodies. Bronchoalveolar (BAL) cell counts, AHR, histological evaluation, soluble collagen content, Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and Interleukin-13 (IL13) were measured. Phenotype of fibroblasts cultured from WT and β7 -/- saline (SAL) and OVA treated mice was evaluated. RESULTS Eosinophil numbers were similar in WT vs β7-/- mice. Prolonged OVA exposure in β7-/- mice was associated with reduced AHR, lung collagen content, peribronchial smooth muscle, lung tissue TGFβ and IL13 expression as compared to WT. Similar findings were observed in WT mice treated with α4β7 blocking antibodies. Fibroblast migration was enhanced in response to OVA in WT but not β7 -/- fibroblasts. α-SMA and fibronectin expression were reduced in β7-/- fibroblasts relative to WT. CONCLUSIONS The β7 integrin subunit and the α4β7 integrin complex modulate AHR and airway remodeling in a murine model of allergen exposure. This effect is, at least in part, explained by inhibition of fibroblast activation and is independent of eosinophilic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Assayag
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tahrir Obedeyah
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avraham Abutbul
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Neville Berkman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Zeng Z, Cheng M, Li M, Wang T, Wen F, Sanderson MJ, Sneyd J, Shen Y, Chen J. Inherent differences of small airway contraction and Ca 2+ oscillations in airway smooth muscle cells between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1202573. [PMID: 37346175 PMCID: PMC10279852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1202573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains are widely used as animal model in studies of respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, which is eventually resulted from the excessive airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction mediated by Ca2+ oscillations in ASM cells. It is reported that BALB/c mice have inherently higher airway responsiveness, but show no different contractive response of tracheal ring as compared to C57BL/6 mice. However, whether the different airway responsiveness is due to the different extents of small airway contraction, and what's underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we assess agonist-induced small airway contraction and Ca2+ oscillations in ASM cells between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice by using precision-cut lung slices (PCLS). We found that BALB/c mice showed an intrinsically stronger extent of small airway narrowing and faster Ca2+ oscillations in ASM cells in response to agonists. These differences were associated with a higher magnitude of Ca2+ influx via store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), as a result of increased expression of SOCE components (STIM1, Orai1) in the ASM cells of small airway of BALB/c mice. An established mathematical model and experimental results suggested that the increased SOC current could result in increased agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations. Therefore, the inherently higher SOC underlies the increased Ca2+ oscillation frequency in ASM cells and stronger small airway contraction in BALB/c mice, thus higher airway responsiveness in BALB/c than C57BL/6 mouse strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengxin Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuqiang Wen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Michael J. Sanderson
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - James Sneyd
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yongchun Shen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Li J, He Q, Wang L, Chen D, Qiu C, Xu P, Lu Y, Zeng Y, Chen R. SET knockdown attenuated phenotype modulation and calcium channel associated markers of airway smooth muscle cells in asthmatic mice. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:657. [PMID: 33987355 PMCID: PMC8106076 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Dysfunctional phenotype modulation and calcium channels in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are important characteristics of airway remodeling in chronic asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying these pathological processes remain unclear. SET (I2PP2A, inhibitor-2 of protein phosphatase 2A) has many significant functions and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to determine the function of SET in chronic asthma. Methods BALB/c mice were sensitized by ovalbumin injection and repeated inhalation of ovalbumin. The Penh value was measured using the Buxco whole body plethysmography system. A short hairpin RNA of the SET gene was designed and transfected into ASMCs derived from asthmatic mice. Flow cytometry of Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining was used for evaluating cell apoptosis. Western blot was adopted to measure the expression levels of ASMCs phenotype modulation markers and calcium channel-associated proteins. Results The results showed that shRNA targeting SET significantly decreased the expression of SET, and enhanced the apoptosis of ASMCs. SET knockdown promoted the expression of contractile phenotype markers such as α-SMA (alpha smooth muscle Actin), SM-MHC (smooth muscle Myosin heavy chain), and calponin, and inhibited the expression of synthetic phenotype markers including vimentin and CD44. The expression of the calcium channel-related proteins STIM1 (Stromal interaction molecule 1) and Orai1 were also inhibited after SET knockdown. Conclusions These data demonstrated that SET participated in the development of airway dysfunction in asthma, suggesting that the silencing of SET may be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi He
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongzhen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuwei Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongchang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
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Liu G, Philp AM, Corte T, Travis MA, Schilter H, Hansbro NG, Burns CJ, Eapen MS, Sohal SS, Burgess JK, Hansbro PM. Therapeutic targets in lung tissue remodelling and fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107839. [PMID: 33774068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Structural changes involving tissue remodelling and fibrosis are major features of many pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is a key factor in the development of tissue remodelling that results in symptoms and impaired lung function in these diseases. Tissue remodelling in the lungs is complex and differs between compartments. Some pathways are common but tissue remodelling around the airways and in the parenchyma have different morphologies. Hence it is critical to evaluate both common fibrotic pathways and those that are specific to different compartments; thereby expanding the understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrosis and remodelling in the airways and parenchyma in asthma, COPD and IPF with a view to developing therapeutic strategies for each. Here we review the current understanding of remodelling features and underlying mechanisms in these major respiratory diseases. The differences and similarities of remodelling are used to highlight potential common therapeutic targets and strategies. One central pathway in remodelling processes involves transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induced fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation that increases ECM production. The current treatments and clinical trials targeting remodelling are described, as well as potential future directions. These endeavours are indicative of the renewed effort and optimism for drug discovery targeting tissue remodelling and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh M Philp
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Medical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamera Corte
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark A Travis
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre and Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi Schilter
- Pharmaxis Ltd, 20 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole G Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris J Burns
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mathew S Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder S Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Airway epithelial integrin β4 suppresses allergic inflammation by decreasing CCL17 production. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:1735-1749. [PMID: 32608482 DOI: 10.1042/cs20191188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells (AECs) play a key role in asthma susceptibility and severity. Integrin β4 (ITGB4) is a structural adhesion molecule that is down-regulated in the airway epithelium of asthma patients. Although a few studies hint toward the role of ITGB4 in asthmatic inflammation pathogenesis, their specific resultant effects remain unexplored. In the present study, we determined the role of ITGB4 of AECs in the regulation of Th2 response and identified the underpinning molecular mechanisms. We found that ITGB4 deficiency led to exaggerated lung inflammation and AHR with higher production of CCL17 in house dust mite (HDM)-treated mice. ITGB4 regulated CCL17 production in AECs through EGFR, ERK and NF-κB pathways. EFGR-antagonist treatment or the neutralization of CCL17 both inhibited exaggerated pathological marks in HDM-challenged ITGB4-deficient mice. Together, these results demonstrated the involvement of ITGB4 deficiency in the development of Th2 responses of allergic asthma by down-regulation of EGFR and CCL17 pathway in AECs.
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Johnson M, Trebak M. ORAI channels in cellular remodeling of cardiorespiratory disease. Cell Calcium 2019; 79:1-10. [PMID: 30772685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiorespiratory disease, which includes systemic arterial hypertension, restenosis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly prevalent and devastating diseases with limited therapeutic modalities. A common pathophysiological theme to these diseases is cellular remodeling, which is contributed by changes in expression and activation of ion channels critical for either excitability or growth. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling and specifically ORAI Ca2+ channels have emerged as significant regulators of smooth muscle, endothelial, epithelial, platelet, and immune cell remodeling. This review details the dysregulation of ORAI in cardiorespiratory diseases, and how this dysregulation of ORAI contributes to cellular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
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