Human Nasal Epithelium Research Articles

Extent of Rescue of F508del-CFTR Function by VX-809 and VX-770 in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells Correlates with SNP rs7512462 in SLC26A9 Gene in F508del/F508del Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Background: The variability in response to CFTR modulatory drugs in cystic fibrosis (CF) has recently been associated with modifier genes - namely alternative chloride channels - in individuals with the same CFTR genotype. Objective: To analyze CFTR response to VX-809/VX-770 drugs in conditionally reprogrammed cells (CRC) of human nasal epithelium (HNE) from F508del/F508del patients with different allelic variants at the SNP rs7512462 in the Solute Carrier Family 26, Member 9 (SLC26A9; MIM: 608481) gene. Method: Measurements of equivalent open short-circuit currents (Isc-eq) of primary nasal epithelial cells from F508del/F508del patients (n=12) for CFTR function were performed in micro Ussing chambers and compared with non-CF controls (n=2). Data were analyzed according to the rs7512462 genotypes in the SLC26A9 gene which were determined by real-time PCR. Results: The CRC-HNE cells from F508del/F508del patients evidenced high variability in the basal levels of CFTR function and in their responses to CFTR modulator drugs (VX-809/VX-770). However, we found a correlation with the SLC26A9 rs7512462 variant: in the presence of the C allele, increased basal CFTR function was observed as well as higher responses to VX-809 VX-770. The genotypes CC CT together evidenced CFTR function levels of 14.89% relatively to wt/wt (CT alone -15.29%) i.e., almost double of TT genotype (7.13%). Furthermore, sweat [Cl-] and body mass index (BMI) of CF patients also evidenced a correlation with the rs7512462 genotype (TT, CT and CC CT), which however, was not observed for lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC or FEF25-75%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CFTR function can be performed in patient-derived CRC-HNEs. Moreover, we demonstrate here that CFTR function in CRC-HNEs from F508del/F508del patients and responses to the VX-809 VX-770 combination as well as clinical data, all correlate with the SLC26A9 rs7512462 variant. This variant thus partially sheds light on the generally observed inter-individual phenotypic variability and in personalized responses to CFTR modulator drugs. Funding Statement: Work supported by research grants #2015/14666-3 – FAPESP; FALM – FAPESP and fellowship #2015/12858-5; the Fund for the Support to Education, Research, and Extension of the University of Campinas, for fellowship #0648/2015; and JDR: FAPESP, for fellowship #2015/12183-8. AK was also supported by CAPES fellowship – 01P3368/2015 – 2017 and ‘Ciencias Sem Fronteiras’ CAPES – 053/2012 (to MDA) and work in MDA lab is supported by UID/MULTI/04046/2013 center grant from FCT, Portugal (to BioISI). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The participants of this study signed the Informed Consent Form under approval of the Ethics Committee from the University of Campinas (#91.041.317). The procedures performed are in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.

Interleukin -19 Up-Regulates Mucin 5AC Production in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis via STAT3 Pathway

Background: The mucin gene MUC5AC is highly expressed both in chronic respiratory inflammatory diseases and in inflammatory bowel disease where mucin secretion is regulated by members of the interleukin IL-20 subfamily. This study was conducted to determine the roles and mechanisms of IL-19, a member of the IL-20 subfamily, in regulating MUC5AC production in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: We analyzed the expression of mucin and MUC5AC in the nasal mucosa of patients with CRS by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemical examination. Real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA, confocal microscopy and western blotting were used to measure MUC5AC expression in primary human nasal epithelium cells (PHNECs) stimulated with recombinant human IL-19 (rhIL-19), IL-19 receptor siRNA transfection or control. The involvement of the STAT3 signaling pathways was examined by the use of cryptotanshinone (CRY, an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription [STAT]3). Findings: Mucin and MUC5AC were significantly increased in mucosa of CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) compared to mucosa isolated from control who had no CRS, but there were no significant differences between these two groups. Pretreatment with rhIL-19 up-regulated the expression of MUC5AC in both mRNA and protein levels in PHNECs. Knockdown of IL-20R2 and pretreatment with CRY attenuated MUC5AC production induced by rhIL-19. Interpretation: We propose that mucin, MUC5AC and IL-19 are highly expressed in CRS and IL-19 up-regulates MUC5AC-induced mucin production via the STAT3 pathway, highlighting the important role IL-19 may play in mucin production in chronic respiratory diseases. Funding Statement: TThis study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81371073, No. 81670913, No. 81500769, No. 81671611) and the Guangdong Introducing Innovative and Entrepreneurial Teams (2016ZT06S252). Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The protocol was approved by the ethics committee for clinical medical research at Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (No∙ [2016]2-26). All enrolled subjects had been given their written informed consent.

A sustained antiviral host response in respiratory syncytial virus infected human nasal epithelium does not prevent progeny virus production

Respiratory syncytial virus infection was examined using a human nasal epithelial cell model. Maximum levels of shed-virus were produced at between 3 and 5 days post-infection (dpi), and the infectivity of the shed-virus was stable up to 10 dpi. The highest levels of interferon signalling were recorded at 2dpi, and infection induced a widespread antivirus response in the nasal epithelium, involving both infected cells and non-infected cells. Although these cellular responses were associated with reduced levels of progeny virus production and restricted virus spread, they did not inhibit the infectivity virus that is shed early in infection. In the clinical context these data suggest that although the host cell response in the nasal epithelium may restrict the levels of progeny virus particles produced, the stability of the shed-virus in the nasal mucosa may be an important factor in both disease progression and virus transmission.

Comparing ex vivo and in vitro translocation of silver nanoparticles and ions through human nasal epithelium

Silver nanomaterials are widely used in clinically approved devices, consumer goods, and over-the-counter nutraceutical products. Despite the increase in silver nanomaterial research, few investigations have specifically distinguished the biological effects resulting from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) versus silver ions released from AgNPs. This is in part, due to the complex analytical methods required to characterize silver ion release from AgNPs in biological media. This study sought to analyze silver ion release from AgNPs in biological media, compare silver transport from soluble AgNO3 and AgNPs through ex vivo full thickness sinus human tissue explants and human nasal epithelium and determine fractional AgNP internalization by human nasal epithelial cells. Rapid silver ion release is observed from AgNPs in human nasal epithelial cell medium over 3 h (9.6% of total silver mass). Significantly lower translocation of AgNPs is observed through human nasal epithelial cell monolayers and ex vivo human sinus tissue explants compared to silver ion (AgNO3). AgNP internalization is directly observed in AgNP-exposed human nasal epithelial cell monolayers by live cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), providing one potential mechanism for AgNP transcytosis. However, in vitro AgNP dissolution experiments suggest that silver in human nasal epithelium is primarily silver ion. Ionic AgNO3 produces significantly higher silver translocation, supporting previous results claiming silver ion as primarily responsible for biological effects of AgNPs.

The kinase LRRK2 is differently expressed in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), commonly divided into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is an inflammatory disease which mechanism remain unclear. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been proved to be a negative regulator of inflammation response while its role in pathogenesis of CRS has yet to be revealed. This research study was designed to investigate the relationship between the expression level and biologic role of LRRK2 in CRS.MethodsExpression of LRRK2 mRNA and noncoding repressor of NFAT (NRON) were examined by qRT-PCR. Protein levels of LRRK2 were performed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) nuclear translocation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, LRRK2 mRNA and NRON expression in response to specific inflammatory stimulation was measured in human nasal epithelia cells (HNECs).ResultsThe expression of LRRK2 was increased in CRSsNP patients (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with the expression levels of CD3 and Charot-Leyden crystal. Meanwhile, the NRON expression level is much lower in CRSsNP patients compared to both the control group and CRSwNP group (p < 0.05). Marked enhanced NFAT nuclear localization was observed in CRSwNP groups compared with the CRSsNP and control group (p < 0.0001). And the over-expression of LRRK2 was significantly regulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in HNECs (p < 0.05). Moreover, IL-17A can increase LRRK2 expression and suppress NRON expression in vitro and dexamethasone can rescue the NRON inhibition.ConclusionLRRK2 and NRON may play different role in CRSsNP and CRSwNP. The molecular mechanisms identified here may aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes.

Interleukin-13 stimulates production of nitric oxide in cultured human nasal epithelium.

The diversity and extent of signaling functions of nitric oxide (NO) in cell physiology as well as its presence and influence as a common component of ambient air pollution and tobacco smoke are gaining increasing research attention relative to both health and disease. While cellular NO production is typically associated with inflammatory cells and processes, the airway epithelium particularly of the paranasal sinuses, has been documented to be a rich source of excreted NO. Inasmuch as excreted NO derives from both mucosal and inflammatory cell sources, distinguishing the individual contribution of these compartments to total excreted cellular NO is potentially problematic. We simulated an inflammatory mucosal environment by stimulating human nasal epithelial cultures with interleukin-13 (IL-13), a mediator produced by eosinophils in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. While a consistent baseline of NO excretion in control cultures was documented, widely variable individual responses to IL-13 exposure were observed in companion cultures maintained under identical conditions and tested at the same time. These studies suggest that cellular NO excretion by the healthy epithelial mucosa is subject to considerable individual variability and may be significantly elevated among some individuals in the presence of IL-13 stimulation.

In Vitro Model of Fully Differentiated Human Nasal Epithelial Cells Infected With Rhinovirus Reveals Epithelium-Initiated Immune Responses.

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the commonest cause of the common cold. While HRV is less pathogenic than other respiratory viruses, it is frequently associated with exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases such as rhinosinusitis and asthma. Nasal epithelial cells are the first sites of viral contact, immune initiation, and airway interconnectivity, but there are limited studies on HRV infection of nasal epithelial cells. Hence, we established a model of HRV infection of in vitro-differentiated human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) derived from multiple individuals. Through HRV infection of hNECs, we found that HRV mainly targeted ciliated cells and preferentially induced type I and III interferon antiviral pathways. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of inflammatory genes suggested predominant type 1 immunity signaling and recruitment, with secreted CXCL9, IP-10, CXCL11, and RANTES as likely initiators of airway inflammatory responses. Additionally, we further explored HRV bidirectional release from the hNECs and identified 11 associated genes. Other HRV interactions were also identified through a systematic comparison with influenza A virus infection of hNECs. Overall, this in vitro hNEC HRV infection model provides a platform for repeatable and controlled studies of different individuals, thus providing novel insights into the roles of human nasal epithelium in HRV interaction and immune initiation.

Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor on disrupted E-cadherin after acid exposure in the human nasal epithelium.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is one of potential factors in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps. An increase in junctional permeability in the nasal mucosa in LPRD may be due to disrupted protein bridge formation with cell-to-cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin. Despite the relationship between nasal mucosal inflammation and LPRD, the clear mechanism by which acid reflux affects the nasal epithelium remains unclear. The expression levels and distribution patterns of E-cadherin in primary culture of nasal epithelial cells after acid exposure with or without dexamethasone and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor were determined using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The functional roles of MMP inhibitor in maintaining junctional permeability in the nasal epithelium were elucidated by transepithelial permeability test. By acid exposure to nasal epithelial cells, mature E-cadherin was decreased and cleaved E-cadherin was increased. This was thought to be caused by cleavage of mature E-cadherin between cells and was confirmed by the increment of E-cadherin inside a cell in immunocytochemical evaluation. Whereas disruption of E-cadherin was not recovered by steroid medication with various treatments of dexamethasone, disrupted E-cadherin was restored to normal by inhibition of MMPs with actinonin, a broad MMP inhibitor. This recovery was functionally demonstrated by transepithelial permeability test. Our results suggest that altered expression of E-cadherin in the nasal epithelium by acid exposure may be a possible mechanism for nasal tissue injury in chronic nasal inflammation with LPRD, and that MMP inhibition is a potential treatment. NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E1-E7, 2018.

Mutation-specific downregulation of CFTR2 variants by gating potentiators.

Approximately 50% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are heterozygous with a rare mutation on at least one allele. Several mutants exhibit functional defects, correctable by gating potentiators. Long-term exposure (≥24 h) to the only available potentiator drug, VX-770, leads to the biochemical and functional downregulation of F508del-CFTR both in immortalized and primary human airway cells, and possibly other CF mutants, attenuating its beneficial effect. Based on these considerations, we wanted to determine the effect of chronic VX-770 exposure on the functional and biochemical expression of rare CF processing/gating mutants in human airway epithelia. Expression of CFTR2 mutants was monitored in the human bronchial epithelial cell line (CFBE41o-) and in patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed bronchial and nasal epithelia by short-circuit current measurements, cell surface ELISA and immunoblotting in the absence or presence of CFTR modulators. The VX-770 half-maximal effective (EC50) concentration for G551D-CFTR activation was ∼0.63 μM in human nasal epithelia, implying that comparable concentration is required in the lung to attain clinical benefit. Five of the twelve rare CFTR2 mutants were susceptible to ∼20-70% downregulation by chronic VX-770 exposure with an IC50 of ∼1-20 nM and to destabilization by other investigational potentiators, thereby diminishing the primary functional gain of CFTR modulators. Thus, chronic exposure to VX-770 and preclinical potentiators can destabilize CFTR2 mutants in human airway epithelial models in a mutation and compound specific manner. This highlights the importance of selecting potentiator drugs with minimal destabilizing effects on CF mutants, advocating a precision medicine approach.

Correction of CFTR function in nasal epithelial cells from cystic fibrosis patients predicts improvement of respiratory function by CFTR modulators

Clinical studies with modulators of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein have demonstrated that functional restoration of the mutated CFTR can lead to substantial clinical benefit. However, studies have shown highly variable patient responses. The objective of this study was to determine a biomarker predictive of the clinical response. CFTR function was assessed in vivo via nasal potential difference (NPD) and in human nasal epithelial (HNE) cultures by the response to Forskolin/IBMX and the CFTR potentiator VX-770 in short-circuit-current (∆IscF/I+V) experiments. CFTR expression was evaluated by apical membrane fluorescence semi-quantification. Isc measurements discriminated CFTR function between controls, healthy heterozygotes, patients homozygous for the severe F508del mutation and patients with genotypes leading to absent or residual function. ∆IscF/I+V correlated with CFTR cellular apical expression and NPD measurements. The CFTR correctors lumacaftor and tezacaftor significantly increased the ∆IscF/I+V response to about 25% (SEM = 4.4) of the WT-CFTR level and the CFTR apical expression to about 22% (SEM = 4.6) of the WT-CFTR level in F508del/F508del HNE cells. The level of CFTR correction in HNE cultures significantly correlated with the FEV1 change at 6 months in 8 patients treated with CFTR modulators. We provide the first evidence that correction of CFTR function in HNE cell cultures can predict respiratory improvement by CFTR modulators.

CK2 is a key regulator of SLC4A2-mediated Cl\u2212/HCO3\u2212 exchange in human airway epithelia

Transepithelial bicarbonate secretion by human airway submucosal glands and surface epithelial cells is crucial to maintain the pH-sensitive innate defence mechanisms of the lung. cAMP agonists stimulate HCO3− secretion via coordinated increases in basolateral HCO3− influx and accumulation, as well as CFTR-dependent HCO3− efflux at the luminal membrane of airway epithelial cells. Here, we investigated the regulation of a basolateral located, DIDS-sensitive, Cl−/HCO3− exchanger, anion exchanger 2 (AE2; SLC4A2) which is postulated to act as an acid loader, and therefore potential regulator of HCO3− secretion, in human airway epithelial cells. Using intracellular pH measurements performed on Calu-3 cells, we demonstrate that the activity of the basolateral Cl−/HCO3− exchanger was significantly downregulated by cAMP agonists, via a PKA-independent mechanism and also required Ca2+ and calmodulin under resting conditions. AE2 contains potential phosphorylation sites by a calmodulin substrate, protein kinase CK2, and we demonstrated that AE2 activity was reduced in the presence of CK2 inhibition. Moreover, CK2 inhibition abolished the activity of AE2 in primary human nasal epithelia. Studies performed on mouse AE2 transfected into HEK-293T cells confirmed almost identical Ca2+/calmodulin and CK2 regulation to that observed in Calu-3 and primary human nasal cells. Furthermore, mouse AE2 activity was reduced by genetic knockout of CK2, an effect which was rescued by exogenous CK2 expression. Together, these findings are the first to demonstrate that CK2 is a key regulator of Cl−-dependent HCO3− export at the serosal membrane of human airway epithelial cells.

Patient-specific three-dimensional explant spheroids derived from human nasal airway epithelium: a simple methodological approach for ex vivo studies of primary ciliary dyskinesia

BackgroundThree-dimensional explant spheroid formation is an ex vivo technique previously used in studies of airway epithelial ion and water transport. Explanted cells and sheets of nasal epithelium form fully differentiated spheroids enclosing a partly fluid-filled lumen with the ciliated apical surface facing the outside and accessible for analysis of ciliary function.MethodsWe performed a two-group comparison study of ciliary beat pattern and ciliary beat frequency in spheroids derived from nasal airway epithelium in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and in healthy controls. Nasal ciliary cells and sheets were removed on day 1 by nasal brush biopsy and analyzed with regard to ciliary beat pattern—and frequency using high-speed video imaging for standard reference values. Three-dimensional explant spheroid formation was initiated in the same individual on the same day by incubation of cells and sheets from a separate brush biopsy. Harvested spheroids were analyzed earliest possible and values of spheroid ciliary beat pattern and frequency were compared to the corresponding reference values from day 1.ResultsSpheroids formed fast in serum-free culture medium. Formation was successful in 15 out of 18 (82%) sampled individuals. Thus, formation was successful in seven healthy controls and eight PCD patients, while unsuccessful in 3 with PCD due to infection. Median (range) number of days in culture before harvesting of spheroids was 4 (1–5) in healthy versus 2 (1–5) in PCD. Spheroid ciliary beat pattern and frequency were unchanged compared to their corresponding day 1 standard reference values. Spheroid ciliary beat frequency discriminated highly significant between healthy controls (9.3 Hz) and PCD patients (2.4 Hz) (P < 0.0001). Survival of spheroids was 16 days in a single healthy person.ConclusionPatient-specific three-dimensional explant spheroid formation from a minimal invasive nasal brush biopsy is a feasible, fast and valid ex vivo method to assess ciliary function with potential of aiding the diagnosis of PCD. In addition, it may be a useful model in the investigation of pathophysiological aspects and drug effects in human nasal airway epithelium.

Protective and antifungal properties of Nanodisk-Amphotericin B over commercially available Amphotericin B.

ObjectiveAmphotericin B (AMB), a potent antifungal agent, has been employed as topical and systemic therapy for sinonasal fungal infections. A novel formulation of nanodisc (ND) containing super aggregated AMB (ND-AMB) for the treatment of fungal infections has been recently developed to provide greater protection from AMB toxicity than current, clinically approved lipid-based formulations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the safety and potency of ND-AMB for sinonasal delivery using an in vitro model.MethodsHuman sinonasal tissue was harvested during endoscopic sinus surgery and grown at air–liquid interface until well-differentiated. Cultures were exposed to ND-AMB vs AMB and changes in K+ permeability and resistance were measured and recorded via Ussing chamber assay. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was analyzed in parallel as well as cytotoxic assay. Potency was assessed using real-time PCR measurement of the Aspergillus fumigatus 18S rRNA.ResultsUssing chamber studies revealed K+ currents that increased rapidly within 30 s of adding AMB (10 μg/mL) to the apical side, indicating apical membranes had become permeable to K+ ions. In contrast, negligible induction of K+ current was obtained following addition of ND-AMB [AMB = (107.7 ± 15.9) μA/cm2 AMB vs ND-AMB = (2.3 ± 0.7) μA/cm2 ND-AMB; P = 0.005]. ND-AMB also protected nasal epithelial cells from cytotoxicity of AMB (P < 0.05). There was no difference in ciliary beat frequency between the two groups (P = 0.96). The expression of A. fumigatus 18S rRNA with exposure of lower dose of ND-AMB was significantly lower compared to that with AMB (P < 0.05).ConclusionsData from the present study suggests ND-AMB protects human nasal epithelia membranes from AMB toxicity by protecting against apical cell K+ permeability while maintaining uncompromised antifungal property compared to AMB. ND-AMB could provide a novel topical therapy for sinonasal fungal diseases.

Temporal structure/function variation in cultured differentiated human nasal epithelium associated with acute single exposure to tobacco smoke or E-cigarette vapor

Objective: Mucociliary clearance sustains a baseline functionality and an “on demand” capability to upregulate clearance upon irritant exposure involving mucus hypersecretion and accelerated ciliary beat frequency (CBF) modulated by nitric oxide (NO). This study characterized these elements as well as cellular and exogenous NO concentrations subsequent to a single exposure to tobacco smoke (TS) or e-cigarette vapor (EV) on cultured human airway epithelium.Materials and methods: Air–liquid interface (ALI) airway epithelial cultures per nonsmoking human subjects were subjected to single TS or EV exposures. Measures of ciliary function and secretion were performed and cellular and exogenous NO concentrations under control and experimental conditions were assessed.Results: Both TS and EV exposures resulted similar patterns of decline in CBF within 1 min of the completion of exposure followed by a gradual return often exceeding baseline within 1 h. Post-exposure examination of exposed cultures suggested morphologic differences in secretory function relative to controls. The relative NO concentrations of TS and EV chamber air were sharply different with EV NO being only slightly elevated relative to cellular NO production.Discussion and conclusions: Epithelial remodeling and mucociliary dysfunction have been clearly associated with TS exposure. However, information contrasting epithelial structure/function following a single acute TS or EV exposure is limited. This study demonstrates a similar pattern of epithelial response to acute TS or EV exposure. Inasmuch as NO may contribute to an inflammatory milieu and generation of toxic metabolites, it is plausible that recurrent exposures over time may be contributory to chronic pathologies.

In vivo and in vitro ivacaftor response in cystic fibrosis patients with residual CFTR function: N-of-1 studies.

Ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator, decreases sweat chloride concentration, and improves pulmonary function in 6% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with specific CFTR mutations. Ivacaftor increases chloride transport in many other CFTR mutations in non-human cells, if CFTR is in the epithelium. Some CF patients have CFTR in the epithelium with residual CFTR function. The effect of ivacaftor in these patients is unknown. This was a series of randomized, crossover N-of-1 trials of ivacaftor and placebo in CF patients ≥8 years old with potential residual CFTR function (intermediate sweat chloride concentration, pancreatic sufficient, or mild bronchiectasis on chest CT). Human nasal epithelium (HNE) was obtained via nasal brushing and cultured. Sweat chloride concentration change was the in vivo outcome. Chloride current change in HNE cultures with ivacaftor was the in vitro outcome. Three subjects had decreased sweat chloride concentration (-14.8 to -40.8 mmol/L, P < 0.01). Two subjects had unchanged sweat chloride concentration. Two subjects had increased sweat chloride concentration (+23.8 and +27.3 mmol/L, P < 0.001); both were heterozygous for A455E and pancreatic sufficient. Only subjects with decreased sweat chloride concentration had increased chloride current in HNE cultures. Some CF patients with residual CFTR function have decreased sweat chloride concentration with ivacaftor. Increased chloride current in HNE cultures among subjects with decreased sweat chloride concentrations may predict clinical response to ivacaftor. Ivacaftor can increase sweat chloride concentration in certain mutations with unclear clinical effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:472-479. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Temporal structure/function variation in cultured differentiated human nasal epithelium associated with acute single exposure to tobacco smoke or E-cigarette vapor

Temporal structure/function variation in cultured differentiated human nasal epithelium associated with acute single exposure to tobacco smoke or E-cigarette vapor

Safety and efficacy evaluation of an isotonic manganese-enriched seawater solution on human nasal epithelium reconstituted in vitro

Safety and efficacy evaluation of an isotonic manganese-enriched seawater solution on human nasal epithelium reconstituted in vitro

Optimization of CFTR-mRNA transfection in human nasal epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening inherited disease in the Caucasian population. It is caused by genetic defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), a cAMP regulated chloride-bicarbonate channel mainly located in the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. CFTR is proposed to regulate other proteins, including the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Recently, we successfully restored chloride current in CFTR deficient human airway epithelial cells using wtCFTR-mRNA transfection compared to non-CF cells showing similar values. The present study aimed to optimize the wtCFTR-mRNA transfection procedures in primary cultured human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells. Dose and time dependence experiments were performed. In addition, we investigated the possible impact of the wtCFTR-mRNA transfection on ENaC function in transepithelial measurements. We reduced the wtCFTR-mRNA dose stepwise and determined the minimal concentration of 0.6 μg/cm2, which is needed for the most efficient restoration of CFTR function. Furthermore, CFTR expression was evaluated 24, 48 and 72 h after transfection. Using the minimal concentration of 0.6 μg/cm2 wtCFTR-mRNA we confirmed a positive functional CFTR restoration over a period of 72 h. Biochemical analyses confirmed these findings. Furthermore, we could not find any significant effect on ENaC after the recovery of CFTR by wtCFTR-mRNA transfection. Our data show that wtCFTR-mRNA transfection is an encouraging alternative “gene” therapy in human primary culture.

Acetylcholine-induced ex vivo ATP release from the human nasal mucosa

ObjectiveThe present study aimed at investigating ATP release in response to acetylcholine (Ach) and pharmacologically elucidating the intracellular signal transduction pathway of this reaction in an ex vivo experiment. MethodsThe inferior turbinate mucosa was collected from 21 patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis who underwent endoscopic turbinectomy. The mucosa was shaped into a filmy round piece, and incubated with chemical(s) in Hank's balanced salt solution for 10min. After incubation, the ATP concentration was measured by a luciferin-luciferase assay. ResultsThe baseline release of ATP without stimulus was 57.2±10.3fM. The ATP release was significantly increased by stimulation with 100μM Ach. The Ach-induced ATP release was completely inhibited by removing extracellular Ca2+. Significant inhibition of the Ach-induced ATP release was also observed by the addition of 1μM atropine, 40μM 2-APB, 10μM CBX, and 100μM PPADS, whereas 30nM bafilomycin A1 did not affect the ATP release. ConclusionThese results indicate that the Ach-induced ATP release from the human nasal mucosa is dependent on the pannexin-1 channel and purinergic P2X7 receptor, suggesting that these two molecules constitute a local autocrine/paracrine signaling system in the human nasal epithelium.

ROS-dependent HMGB1 secretion upregulates IL-8 in upper airway epithelial cells under hypoxic condition.

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mediates various functions according to the location. We tried to investigate the role of HMGB1 in upper airway under hypoxic conditions. We cultured primary normal human nasal epithelium (NHNE) cells under hypoxic conditions and evaluated the movement of HMGB1 by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated to estimate the translocation mechanism of HMGB1. The role of secreted HMGB1 was evaluated by ELISA assay. Furthermore, we collected human nasal mucosa samples and nasal lavage fluids from patients conditioned under hypoxic and non-hypoxic environment, and compared the expression of HMGB1 in human nasal mucosa samples by immunohistochemistry and the levels of HMGB1 in lavage fluids using ELISA assay. Hypoxia induced translocation of HMGB1 into the extracellular area and it was dependent on ROS produced by dual oxidase 2. Secreted HMGB1 was involved in the upregulation of interleukin (IL)-8. In human samples, HMGB1 was translocated from nucleus to the cytoplasm in hypoxic-conditioned nasal mucosa. HMGB1 was increased in nasal lavage samples of chronic rhinosinusitis patients, whose sinus mucosa was supposed to be hypoxic as compared with controls. We suggest that HMGB1 is secreted in hypoxic condition via ROS-dependent mechanism and secreted HMGB1 participates in IL-8 upregulation mediating inflammatory response.