Tracheal Cells Research Articles

Pilot Study of a Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Targeted Anticancer Therapy in Refractory Solid Tumors at a Korean Institution.

We evaluated the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based targeted anticancer therapy in refractory solid tumors at a Korean institution. Thirty-six patients with advanced cancer underwent molecular profiling with NGS with the intent of clinical application of available matched targeted agents. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors were sequenced using the Comprehensive Cancer Panel (CCP) or FoundationOne in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified laboratory in the USA. Response evaluations were performed according to RECIST v1.1. Four specimens did not pass the DNA quality test and 32 specimens were successfully sequenced with CCP (n = 31) and FoundationOne (n = 1). Of the 32 sequenced patients, 10 (31.3%) were ≤40 years. Twelve patients (37.5%) had received ≥3 types of prior systemic therapies. Of 24 patients with actionable mutations, five were given genotype-matched drugs corresponding to actionable mutations: everolimus to PIK3CA mutation in parotid carcinosarcoma (partial response) and tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (stable disease; 21% reduction), sorafenib to PDGFRA mutation in auditory canal adenocarcinoma (partial response), sorafenib to BRAF mutation in microcytic adnexal carcinoma (progressive disease), and afatinib to ERBB2 mutation in esophageal adenocarcinoma (progressive disease). Nineteen of 24 patients with actionable mutations could not undergo targeted therapy based on genomic testing because of declining performance status (10/24, 41.7%), stable disease with previous treatment (5/24, 20.8%), and lack of access to targeted medication (4/24, 16.7%). NGS-based targeted therapy may be a good option in selected patients with refractory solid tumors. To pursue this strategy in Korea, lack of access to clinical-grade NGS assays and a limited number of genotype-matched targeted medications needs to be addressed and resolved.

Dormancy activation mechanism of tracheal stem cells

Accurate markers and molecular mechanisms of stem cell dormancy and activation are poorly understood. In this study, the anti-cancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, was used to selectively kill proliferating cells of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell line. This method can enrich and purify stem cell population. The dormant versus active status of stem cells was determined by phosphorylation of RNAp II Ser2. The surviving stem cells were cultured to form stem cell spheres expressing stem cell markers and transplanted into nude mice to form a teratoma. The results demonstrated the properties of stem cells and potential for multi-directional differentiation. Bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction showed that demethylation of the Sox2 promoter by 5-FU resulted in Sox2 expression in the dormant stem cells. This study shows that the dormancy and activation of HBE stem cells is closely related to epigenetic modification.

Snoo and Dpp Act as Spatial and Temporal Regulators Respectively of Adult Progenitor Cells in the Drosophila Trachea

Clusters of differentiated cells contributing to organ structures retain the potential to re-enter the cell cycle and replace cells lost during development or upon damage. To do so, they must be designated spatially and respond to proper activation cues. Here we show that in the case of Drosophila differentiated larval tracheal cells, progenitor potential is conferred by the spatially restricted activity of the Snoo transcription cofactor. Furthermore, Dpp signalling regulated by endocrine hormonal cues provides the temporal trigger for their activation. Finally, we elucidate the genetic network elicited by Snoo and Dpp activity. These results illustrate a regulatory mechanism that translates intrinsic potential and extrinsic cues into the facultative stem cell features of differentiated progenitors.

P73 Is Required for Multiciliogenesis and Regulates the Foxj1-Associated Gene Network.

We report that p73 is expressed in multiciliated cells (MCCs), is required for MCC differentiation, and directly regulates transcriptional modulators of multiciliogenesis. Loss of ciliary biogenesis provides a unifying mechanism for many phenotypes observed in p73 knockout mice including hydrocephalus; hippocampal dysgenesis; sterility; and chronic inflammation/infection of lung, middle ear, and sinus. Through p73 and p63 ChIP-seq using murine tracheal cells, we identified over 100 putative p73 target genes that regulate MCC differentiation and homeostasis. We validated Foxj1, a transcriptional regulator of multiciliogenesis, and many other cilia-associated genes as direct target genes of p73 and p63. We show p73 and p63 are co-expressed in a subset of basal cells and suggest that p73 marks these cells for MCC differentiation. In summary, p73 is essential for MCC differentiation, functions as a critical regulator of a transcriptome required for MCC differentiation, and, like p63, has an essential role in development of tissues.

A feedback mechanism converts individual cell features into a supracellular ECM structure in Drosophila trachea.

The extracellular matrix (ECM), a structure contributed to and commonly shared by many cells in an organism, plays an active role during morphogenesis. Here, we used the Drosophila tracheal system to study the complex relationship between the ECM and epithelial cells during development. We show that there is an active feedback mechanism between the apical ECM (aECM) and the apical F-actin in tracheal cells. Furthermore, we reveal that cell-cell junctions are key players in this aECM patterning and organisation and that individual cells contribute autonomously to their aECM. Strikingly, changes in the aECM influence the levels of phosphorylated Src42A (pSrc) at cell junctions. Therefore, we propose that Src42A phosphorylation levels provide a link for the ECM environment to ensure proper cytoskeletal organisation.

Correlation of Organic Cation/Carnitine Transporter 1 and Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 1 Transport Activities With Protein Expression Levels in Primary Cultured Human Tracheal, Bronchial, and Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Understanding how transporters contribute to the distribution of inhaled drugs in the lung is important for the discovery and development of such drugs. Protein expression levels may be useful to predict and understand drug distribution. As previously reported, organic cation/carnitine transporter 1 (OCTN1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) have higher levels of protein expression among transporters in primary cultured human lung cells. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent transport activity correlates with transporter protein expression. The purpose is to evaluate whether differences in OCTN1 and MRP1 protein expression govern the respective transport activity in primary cultured human lung cells. The model substrates of 4-[4-(dimethylamino) styryl]-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP+) and carboxy-dichlorofluorescein (CDF) for OCTN1 and MRP1, respectively, were used in the lung cells from five donors. Significant correlation was found between the kinetic parameter Vmax for ASP+ and OCTN1 protein expression in plasma membrane of tracheal, bronchial, and alveolar cells (r2 = 0.965, 0.834, and 0.877, respectively), and between the efflux of CDF and MRP1 protein expression in plasma membrane of tracheal, bronchial, and alveolar cells (r2 = 0.800, 0.904, and 0.790, respectively). These findings suggest that OCTN1 and MRP1 protein concentrations are determinants for drug distribution in the lung.

Escargot controls the sequential specification of two tracheal tip cell types by suppressing FGF signaling in Drosophila.

Extrinsic branching factors promote the elongation and migration of tubular organs. In the Drosophila tracheal system, Branchless (Drosophila FGF) stimulates the branching program by specifying tip cells that acquire motility and lead branch migration to a specific destination. Tip cells have two alternative cell fates: the terminal cell (TC), which produces long cytoplasmic extensions with intracellular lumen, and the fusion cell (FC), which mediates branch connections to form tubular networks. How Branchless controls this specification of cells with distinct shapes and behaviors is unknown. Here we report that this cell type diversification involves the modulation of FGF signaling by the zinc-finger protein Escargot (Esg), which is expressed in the FC and is essential for its specification. The dorsal branch begins elongation with a pair of tip cells with high FGF signaling. When the branch tip reaches its final destination, one of the tip cells becomes an FC and expresses Esg. FCs and TCs differ in their response to FGF: TCs are attracted by FGF, whereas FCs are repelled. Esg suppresses ERK signaling in FCs to control this differential migratory behavior.

Structural basis of the Inv compartment and ciliary abnormalities in Inv/nphp2 mutant mice.

The primary cilium is a hair like structure protruding from most mammalian cells. The basic design of the primary cilium consists of a nine microtubule doublet structure (the axoneme). The Inv compartment, a distinct proximal segment of the ciliary body, is defined as the region in which the Inv protein is localized. Inv gene is a responsible gene for human nephronophthisis type2 (NPHP2). Here, we show that renal cilia have a short proximal microtubule doublet region and a long distal microtubule singlet region. The length of the Inv compartment was similar to that of the microtubule doublet region, suggesting a possibility that the doublet region is the structural basis of the Inv compartment. Respiratory cilia of inv mouse mutants had ciliary rootlet malformation and showed reduced ciliary beating frequency and ciliary beating angle, which may explain recurrent bronchitis in NPHP2 patients. In multiciliated tracheal cells, most Inv proteins were retained in the basal body and did not accumulate in the Inv compartment. These results suggest that the machinery to transport and retain Inv in cilia is different between renal and tracheal cilia and that Inv may function in the basal body of tracheal cells.

Tracheal Aspirate Levels of the Matricellular Protein SPARC Predict Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

BackgroundIsolation of tracheal aspirate mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from premature infants has been associated with increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). MSCs show high levels of mRNAs encoding matricellular proteins, non-structural extracellular proteins that regulate cell-matrix interactions and participate in tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that lung matricellular protein expression predicts BPD development.MethodsWe collected tracheal aspirates and MSCs from mechanically-ventilated premature infants during the first week of life. Tracheal aspirate and MSC-conditioned media were analyzed for seven matricellular proteins including SPARC (for Secreted Protein, Acidic, Rich in Cysteine, also called osteonectin) and normalized to secretory component of IgA. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine whether tracheal aspirate matricellular protein levels were independent predictors of BPD or death, controlling for gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW).ResultsWe collected aspirates from 89 babies (38 developed BPD, 16 died before 36 wks post-conceptual age). MSC-conditioned media showed no differences in matricellular protein abundance between cells from patients developing BPD and cells from patients who did not. However, SPARC levels were higher in tracheal aspirates from babies with an outcome of BPD or death (p<0.01). Further, our logistic model showed that tracheal aspirate SPARC (p<0.02) was an independent predictor of BPD/death. SPARC deposition was increased in the lungs of patients with BPD.ConclusionsIn mechanically-ventilated premature infants, tracheal aspirate SPARC levels predicted development of BPD or death. Further study is needed to determine the value of SPARC as a biomarker or therapeutic target in BPD.

FGF coordinates air sac development by activation of the EGF ligand Vein through the transcription factor PntP2.

How several signaling pathways are coordinated to generate complex organs through regulation of tissue growth and patterning is a fundamental question in developmental biology. The larval trachea of Drosophila is composed of differentiated functional cells and groups of imaginal tracheoblasts that build the adult trachea during metamorphosis. Air sac primordium cells (ASP) are tracheal imaginal cells that form the dorsal air sacs that supply oxygen to the flight muscles of the Drosophila adult. The ASP emerges from the tracheal branch that connects to the wing disc by the activation of both Bnl-FGF/Btl and EGFR signaling pathways. Together, these pathways promote cell migration and proliferation. In this study we demonstrate that Vein (vn) is the EGF ligand responsible for the activation of the EGFR pathway in the ASP. We also find that the Bnl-FGF/Btl pathway regulates the expression of vn through the transcription factor PointedP2 (PntP2). Furthermore, we show that the FGF target gene escargot (esg) attenuates EGFR signaling at the tip cells of the developing ASP, reducing their mitotic rate to allow proper migration. Altogether, our results reveal a link between Bnl-FGF/Btl and EGFR signaling and provide novel insight into how the crosstalk of these pathways regulates migration and growth.

Tracheal and Colonic Resection and Anastomosis in a Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) with T-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract An eight-year-old, female intact, boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) was presented for a 1.5- month history of wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and hyperextension of the neck. Radiographs, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and tracheal endoscopy revealed an intra- and extraluminal tracheal mass occluding approximately 95% of the tracheal lumen. Complete blood count and biochemistry panel were unremarkable, except for a moderate elevation of the hematocrit. A caudal saccular lung cannulation was placed as an emergency procedure because of worsening respiratory distress. Resection of 22 tracheal rings, inclusive of the mass, followed by anastomosis of the trachea was performed. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and electronic microscopy (EM) were consistent with a tracheal round cell neoplasia. Eleven months after the initial surgery, the snake presented for a caudal coelomic mass associated with constipation. Radiographs, US and CT findings were consistent with an infiltrating circumfer...

Aerosolized Non-viral Nucleic Acid Delivery in the Vaginal Tract of Pigs.

The human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is worldwide the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease. Nasal or vaginal nucleic acid vaccination is a promising strategy for controlling genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Since naked nucleic acids are generally not efficiently taken up by cells, they are often complexed with carriers that facilitate their intracellular delivery. In the current study, we screened a variety of commonly used non-viral gene delivery carriers for their ability to transfect newborn pig tracheal cells. The effect of aerosolization on the physicochemical properties and transfection efficiency of the complexes was also evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, a pilot experiment was performed in which the selected complexes were aerosolized in the vaginal tract of pigs. Both mRNA and pDNA containing lipofectamine and ADM70 complexes showed promise for protein expression in vitro, before and after aerosolization. In vivo, only lipofectamine/pDNA complexes resulted in high protein expression levels 24h following aerosolization. This correlates to the unexpected observation that the presence of vaginal mucus increases the efficiency of lipofectamine/pDNA complexes 3-fold, while the efficiency of lipofectamine/mRNA complexes and ADM70/mRNA and ADM70/pDNA complexes decreased. As aerosolization was an easy and effective method to deliver complexes to the vaginal tract of pigs, we believe this application technique has future potential for both vaginal and perhaps nasal vaccination using non-viral gene delivery vectors.

Drosophila chitinous aECM and its cellular interactions during tracheal development.

The morphology of organs, and hence their proper physiology, relies to a considerable extent on the extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by their cells. The ECM is a structure contributed to and commonly shared by many cells in an organism that plays an active role in morphogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that the ECM not only provides a passive contribution to organ shape but also impinges on cell behaviour and genetic programmes. The ECM is emerging as a direct modulator of many aspects of cell biology, rather than as a mere physical network that supports cells. Here, we review how the apical chitinous ECM is generated in Drosophila trachea and how cells participate in the formation of this supracellular structure. We discuss recent findings on the molecular and cellular events that lead to the formation of this apical ECM (aECM) and how it is influenced and affects tracheal cell biology.

Mevastatin ameliorates sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced COX-2/PGE2-dependent cell migration via FoxO1 and CREB phosphorylation and translocation.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an important inflammatory mediator, has been shown to regulate COX-2 production and promote various cellular responses such as cell migration. Mevastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA), effectively inhibits inflammatory responses. However, the mechanisms underlying S1P-evoked COX-2-dependent cell migration, which is modulated by mevastatin in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs) remain unclear. The expression of COX-2 was determined by Western blotting, real time-PCR and promoter analyses. The signalling molecules were investigated by pretreatment with respective pharmacological inhibitors or transfection with siRNAs. The interaction between COX-2 promoter and transcription factors was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Finally, the effect of mevastatin on HTSMC migration and leukocyte counts in BAL fluid and COX-2 expression induced by S1P was determined by a cell migration assay, cell counting and Western blot. S1P stimulated mTOR activation through the Nox2/ROS and PI3K/Akt pathways, which can further stimulate FoxO1 phosphorylation and translocation to the cytosol. We also found that S1P induced CREB activation and translocation via an mTOR-independent signalling pathway. Finally, we showed that pretreatment with mevastatin markedly reduced S1P-induced cell migration and COX-2/PGE2 production via a PPARγ-dependent signalling pathway. Mevastatin attenuates the S1P-induced increased expression of COX-2 and cell migration via the regulation of FoxO1 and CREB phosphorylation and translocation by PPARγ in HTSMCs. Mevastatin could be beneficial for prevention of airway inflammation in the future.

Drosophila glob1 expresses dynamically and is required for development and oxidative stress response.

Biological significance of the globin protein family could be ascertained by their conservation through archaea to human. Globin(s) have been "classically" studied as oxygen binding protein(s), with recent implications in a host of other physiological functions. Drosophila melanogaster possesses three globin genes (glob1, glob2, glob3) located at different cytogenetic positions. We have performed a comprehensive investigation on the cellular expression profile and functional relevance of glob1 in Drosophila development. A profound level of maternally contributed glob1 gene products was found during early embryogenesis. Subsequently, commencement of zygotic transcription leads to its strong expression in somatic muscles, gut primordia, fat bodies, tracheal cells, etc. Similarly, dynamic expression of glob1 was evident in most of the larval tissues, interestingly with high expression in dividing cells. Reduced expression of glob1 leads to various impairments and lethality during embryogenesis and larval development. A substantial increase in level of cellular ROS was also evident due to reduced expression of glob1 which consequently leads to locomotor impairment and early aging in surviving adult flies. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report which demonstrates that in addition to oxygen management, globin gene(s) are also involved in regulating various aspects of development in Drosophila.

Ligand-binding and constitutive FGF receptors in single Drosophila tracheal cells: Implications for the role of FGF in collective migration.

The migration of individual cells relies on their capacity to evaluate differences across their bodies and to move either toward or against a chemoattractant or a chemorepellent signal respectively. However, the direction of collective migration is believed to depend on the internal organization of the cell cluster while the role of the external signal is limited to single out some cells in the cluster, conferring them with motility properties. Here we analyzed the role of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling in collective migration in the Drosophila trachea. While ligand-binding FGF receptor (FGFR) activity in a single cell can drive migration of a tracheal cluster, we show that activity from a constitutively activated FGFR cannot-an observation that contrasts with previously analyzed cases. Our results indicate that individual cells in the tracheal cluster can "read" differences in the distribution of FGFR activity and lead migration of the cluster accordingly. Thus, FGF can act as a chemoattractant rather than as a motogen in collective cell migration. This finding has many implications in both development and pathology.

Cytopathology of the trachea of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus

Bombyx mori is a holometabolous insect found only in germplasm banks and morphological data related of resistance and susceptibility to diseases is important when selecting hybrids for commercial and scientific interest. This study analyzed the cytopathology of B. mori trachea to BmNPV, isolated geographically in Paraná state, Brazil. Fifth instar larvae were divided into two groups, control and inoculated; the viral suspension used was 2.4×107 polyhedral occlusion bodies/mL. From the second to the ninth day post-inoculation, segments of silkworm organs, containing the trachea, were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Analyses of fresh hemolymph were also performed to verify the susceptibility of the hemocytes. Signs of infection were initially detected in the hemocytes and in the tracheal cells on the second and fourth post-inoculation days, respectively. The cytopathology of the trachea showed all stages of the viral cycle, which was the same as in other tissues. Virions were detected in the basal lamina, which showed structural disorganization. So, the infection time of the hemocytes prior to trachea and the presence of virus in basal lamina, suggests that the trachea was a secondary target, infected by budded virus coming from the hemolymph.

ID: 233: Investigation of Porcine Interferons as a metaphylactic intervention strategy against Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV)

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is an important viral disease of swine. The application of Interferon (IFN) via viral vectors could be a beneficial intervention strategy against CSFV. Unlike type I and II IFN, the anti-CSFV activity of type III IFNs are unknown. Type III IFNs have similar antiviral actions to type I IFN but their specific receptors have limited tissue distribution and may be important as very early defences against infection at epithelial surfaces. PoIFN (type I ( α , β ) type II ( γ ) and type III ( λ 1, 3)) were cloned into a mammalian expression vector, expressed in porcine tracheal (NPTR) cells and the induction of an immune response and anti-CSFV activity examined. PoIFNs were subsequently cloned into an Adenovirus viral vector and the antiviral activity assessed. All three types of IFN upregulated expression of the interferon stimulated gene MxA and significantly reduced CSFV infection in the NPTR cell line and in porcine primary cells. Inoculation of NPTR cells with adenovirus vectors expressing all three types of IFN inhibited CSFV infection, with the AdIFN α / β and λ constructs inducing a greater anti-CSFV effect than the AdIFN γ constructs. Conclusion: All three types of porcine IFN have some antiviral activity against CSFV and delivery via adenovirus vectors may offer a promising targeted intervention strategy against CSF. Future studies will assess the kinetics of protection of single and combined vectored PoIFN treatments in vitro and in vivo.

Sialic acid-dependent interactions between influenza viruses and Streptococcus suis affect the infection of porcine tracheal cells.

Bacterial co-infections are a major complication in influenza-virus-induced disease in both humans and animals. Either of the pathogens may induce a host response that affects the infection by the other pathogen. A unique feature in the co-infection by swine influenza viruses (SIV) and Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is the direct interaction between the two pathogens. It is mediated by the haemagglutinin of SIV that recognizes the α2,6-linked sialic acid present in the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus suis. In the present study, this interaction was demonstrated for SIV of both H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes as well as for human influenza viruses that recognize α2,6-linked sialic acid. Binding of SIV to Streptococcus suis resulted in co-sedimentation of virus with bacteria during low-speed centrifugation. Viruses bound to bacteria retained infectivity but induced only tiny plaques compared with control virus. Infection of porcine tracheal cells by SIV facilitated adherence of Streptococcus suis, which was evident by co-staining of bacterial and viral antigen. Sialic-acid-dependent binding of Streptococcus suis was already detectable after incubation for 30 min. By contrast, bacterial co-infection had a negative effect on the replication of SIV as indicated by lower virus titres in the supernatant and a delay in the kinetics of virus release.

해표이진탕이 기도 뮤신의 분비, 생성 및 유전자 발현에 미치는 영향

Abstract Effect of Haepyoijin-tang on Airway Mucin Secretion, Production, Gene Expression and Hypersecretion of Mucus Suk Yun Hee ․ Min Sang Yeon ․ Kim Jang Hyun Department of Pediatrics, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University Objectives In this study, effects of haepyoijintang (HIJ) on the increase in airway epithelial mucosubstances of rats and ATP-, PMA-, EGF- or TNF-α-induced MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression from human airway epithelial cells were investigated. Methods Hypersecretion of airway mucus was induced by exposure of rats to SO 2 during 3 weeks. Effect of orally-administered HIJ during 2 weeks on increase in airway epithelial mucosubstances from tracheal goblet cells of rats was evaluated using histopathological analysis after staining the epithelial tissue with PAS-alcian blue. Possible cytotoxicity of HIJ was evaluated by examining the potential damage of kidney and liver functions by measuring serum GOT/GPT activities and serum BUN and creatinine concentrations of rats and the body weight gain during experiment, after administering HIJ orally. At the same time, the effect of HIJ on ATP-, PMA-, EGF- or TNF-α-induced MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression from human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292) were investigated. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated for 30 min in the presence of HIJ and treated with ATP (200 μM), PMA (10 ng/ml), EGF (25 ng/ml) or TNF-α (0.2 nM) for 24 hrs, to evaluate the effect of HIJ both on ATP-, PMA-, EGF- or TNF-α-induced MUC5AC mucin production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and on gene expression by the same inducers using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).