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Pincus AB, Pierce AB, Kappel N, Lebold KM, Drake MG, Fryer AD, Jacoby DB. Parasympathetic Airway Hyperreactivity Is Enhanced in Acute but Not Chronic Eosinophilic Asthma Mouse Models. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2025; 72:698-707. [PMID: 39626221 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2024-0360oc] [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: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Airway hyperreactivity in asthma is mediated by airway nerves, including sensory nerves in airway epithelium and parasympathetic nerves innervating airway smooth muscle. Isolating the function of these two nerve populations in vivo, to distinguish how each is affected by inflammatory processes and contributes to hyperreactivity in asthma, has been challenging. In this study, we used optogenetic activation of airway nerves in vivo to study parasympathetic contributions to airway hyperreactivity in two mouse models of asthma: 1) acute challenge with house dust mite antigen; and 2) chronic airway hypereosinophilia due to genetic IL-5 overexpression in airways. Overall airway hyperreactivity, as measured by bronchoconstriction to an inhaled agonist, was increased in both models. In contrast, optogenetic stimulation of isolated efferent parasympathetic nerves induced bronchoconstriction only in the acute house dust mite antigen challenge group. Using whole-mount tissue immunofluorescence and modeling software, we then measured, in three dimensions, the interactions between eosinophils and parasympathetic nerves in both models and found that eosinophils were more numerous and more proximal to airway parasympathetic nerves in antigen-challenged and IL-5-transgenic mice than in their respective controls but were not significantly different between the two asthma models. Thus, even though eosinophils were increased around nerves in both models, parasympathetic nerves only mediated airway hyperreactivity in the antigen-challenged mice. This study demonstrates divergent effects of acute versus chronic eosinophilia on parasympathetic airway nerve activity and points to eosinophil-nerve interactions as a key regulator of airway hyperreactivity in antigen challenged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B Pincus
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Aubrey B Pierce
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nicole Kappel
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Katie M Lebold
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Matthew G Drake
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Allison D Fryer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - David B Jacoby
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Soma S, Hayatsu N, Nomura K, Sherwood MW, Murakami T, Sugiyama Y, Suematsu N, Aoki T, Yamada Y, Asayama M, Kaneko M, Ohbayashi K, Arizono M, Ohtsuka M, Hamada S, Matsumoto I, Iwasaki Y, Ohno N, Okazaki Y, Taruno A. Channel synapse mediates neurotransmission of airway protective chemoreflexes. Cell 2025; 188:2687-2704.e29. [PMID: 40187347 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025]
Abstract
Neural reflexes to chemicals in the throat protect the airway from aspiration and infection. Mechanistic understanding of these reflexes remains premature, exemplified by chronic cough-a sensitized cough reflex-being a prevalent unmet clinical need. Here, in mice, a whole-body search for channel synapses-featuring CALHM1/3 channel-mediated neurotransmitter release-and single-cell transcriptomics uncovered subclasses of the Pou2f3+ chemosensory cell family in the throat communicating with vagal neurons via this synapse. They express G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for noxious chemicals, T2Rs, which upon stimulation trigger swallow and cough-like expulsive reflexes in the hypopharynx and larynx, respectively. These reflexes were abolished by Calhm3 and Pou2f3 knockout and could be triggered by targeted optogenetic stimulation. Furthermore, aeroallergen exposure augmented CALHM3-dependent expulsive reflex. This study identifies Pou2f3+ epithelial cells with channel synapses as chemosensory end organs of airway protective reflexes and sites of their hyperresponsiveness, advancing mechanistic understanding of airway defense programs with distinct therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Soma
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Norihito Hayatsu
- Laboratory for Comprehensive Genomic Analysis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kengo Nomura
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Mark W Sherwood
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Murakami
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Sugiyama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Naofumi Suematsu
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Takanori Aoki
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Moe Asayama
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Mami Kaneko
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kento Ohbayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
| | - Misa Arizono
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shun Hamada
- International College of Arts and Sciences, Fukuoka Women's University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan
| | | | - Yusaku Iwasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Histology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okazaki
- Laboratory for Comprehensive Genomic Analysis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Taruno
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
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Yuan ZQ, Peng XC, Liu L, Yang FY, Qian F. Olfactory receptors and human diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2025:10.1007/s00441-025-03971-5. [PMID: 40278904 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-025-03971-5] [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: 02/25/2025] [Accepted: 04/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025]
Abstract
Olfaction plays a crucial role in distinguishing odors, enabling organisms to seek benefits and evade hazards. Olfactory receptors (ORs), characterized by highly variable binding pockets, facilitate the detection of diverse odorants from both external and internal environments. Nasal ORs, expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), are critical for olfactory cognition and associated neuronal plasticity. In contrast, extra-nasal ORs, expressed in extra-olfactory tissues, detect specific chemicals and modulate cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, inflammation, and apoptosis. Aberrant OR expression or dysfunction has been implicated in numerous human diseases, including anosmia, dementia, dermatopathies, obesity, infertility, cancers, respiratory disorders, atherosclerosis and viral infections. Olfactory training, such as aromatherapy, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for anosmia, dementia and psychological distress. Natural or synthetic odorants have been applied for promoting hair regeneration and cutaneous wound healing. Conversely, overexpression of specific ORs in cancer cells may drive tumor progression. Additionally, ORs may mediate virus-host interactions during infection, owing to their structural variability. Collectively, OR-targeted agonists and antagonists (odorants) represent promising candidates for treating OR-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Qi Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Science Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China
| | - Fu-Yuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Science Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Hubei Province, Jingzhou, 434023, China.
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Hossain MZ, Ando H, Roy RR, Kitagawa J. Topical ATP Application in the Peripheral Swallowing-Related Regions Facilitates Triggering of the Swallowing Reflex Involving P2X3 Receptors. FUNCTION 2025; 6:zqaf010. [PMID: 40042973 PMCID: PMC11931623 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqaf010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2025] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025] Open
Abstract
The swallowing reflex is a critical component of the digestive process, triggered when food or liquids pass from the oral cavity to the oesophagus. Although adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is involved in various physiological processes, its potential to trigger the swallowing reflex has not been fully explored. This study investigated the ability of ATP to induce the swallowing reflex and examined the involvement of the purinoreceptor P2X3 in this process. We observed that the topical application of exogenous ATP to the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN)-innervated swallowing-related regions dose-dependently facilitated the triggering of the swallowing reflex. P2X3 receptors were predominantly localized on nerve fibres within these regions, including intraepithelial and subepithelial nerves and those associated with taste-bud-like structures. In the nodose-petrosal-jugular ganglionic complex, approximately 40% of retrogradely traced SLN-afferent neurons expressed P2X3, with 59% being medium-sized, 30% small, and 11% large. Prior topical application of a P2X3 antagonist in SLN-innervated, swallowing-related regions significantly reduced the number of ATP-induced swallowing reflexes. Furthermore, topical application of a P2X3 receptor agonist more selective than ATP facilitated reflex triggering in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that exogenous ATP facilitates the triggering of the swallowing reflex through the activation of P2X3 receptors. This activation excites afferent neurons that supply peripheral swallowing-related regions, stimulating the swallowing central pattern generator to facilitate the reflex. The current findings suggest the therapeutic potential of ATP or P2X3 agonists for dysphagia treatment and provide valuable physiological insights into the involvement of purinergic signaling in triggering the swallowing reflex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zakir Hossain
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri 399-0781, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ando
- Department of Biology, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri 399-0781, Japan
| | - Rita Rani Roy
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri 399-0781, Japan
| | - Junichi Kitagawa
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri 399-0781, Japan
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Lv WY, Liu S, Zhang L, Zhou JX. Assessing agreement among non-invasive indicators for inspiratory effort during pressure support ventilation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2025; 12:1561017. [PMID: 40109733 PMCID: PMC11919886 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1561017] [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: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Background During pressure support ventilation (PSV), the accuracy of non-invasive indicators in diagnosing high or low inspiratory effort has been validated. However, the correlation and agreement of these indicators remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the correlation and agreement among non-invasive inspiratory effort indicators, and to compare characteristics of inspiratory effort in neurocritical and non-neurocritical patients. Methods This was a single-centre prospective observational study. We collected three non-invasive inspiratory effort indicators, pressure muscular index (PMI), the maximal negative swing of airway pressure during expiratory occlusion (ΔPocc), and the airway occlusion pressure during the first 100ms (P0.1). Cutoff values for these indicators derived from esophageal pressure-time product (PTPmus) were chosen for this study. The correlation and agreement of these indicators were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test and linear weighted Kappa analysis. Characteristics of PSV settings and inspiratory effort in neurocritical and non-neurocritical patients were compared. Results Ninety-seven patients were enrolled in this study. Correlation analysis showed a moderate correlation between PMI and ΔPocc (rho = -0.524, p < 0.001), ΔPocc and P0.1 (rho = 0.588, p < 0.001), while no correlation between PMI and P0.1 (rho = -0.140, p = 0.172). There was a moderate agreement between ΔPocc and P0.1 (k = 0.459, p < 0.001), a fair agreement between PMI and ΔPocc (k = 0.362, p < 0.001), but no agreement between PMI and P0.1 (k = 0.134, p = 0.072). The correlation of these indicators was similar in neurocritical patients compared with non-neurocritical patients, but agreement was poor. Conclusion The study showed that PMI and ΔPocc had moderate correlation and fair agreement, ΔPocc and P0.1 had moderate correlation and agreement, while PMI and P0.1 had no correlation and agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yi Lv
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Clinical and Research Center on Acute Lung Injury, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Xin Zhou
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Clinical and Research Center on Acute Lung Injury, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Peinado P, Stazi M, Ballabio C, Margineanu MB, Li Z, Colón CI, Hsieh MS, Pal Choudhuri S, Stastny V, Hamilton S, Le Marois A, Collingridge J, Conrad L, Chen Y, Ng SR, Magendantz M, Bhutkar A, Chen JS, Sahai E, Drapkin BJ, Jacks T, Vander Heiden MG, Kopanitsa MV, Robinson HPC, Li L. Intrinsic electrical activity drives small-cell lung cancer progression. Nature 2025; 639:765-775. [PMID: 39939778 PMCID: PMC11922742 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08575-7] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/14/2025]
Abstract
Elevated or ectopic expression of neuronal receptors promotes tumour progression in many cancer types1,2; neuroendocrine (NE) transformation of adenocarcinomas has also been associated with increased aggressiveness3. Whether the defining neuronal feature, namely electrical excitability, exists in cancer cells and impacts cancer progression remains mostly unexplored. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an archetypal example of a highly aggressive NE cancer and comprises two major distinct subpopulations: NE cells and non-NE cells4,5. Here we show that NE cells, but not non-NE cells, are excitable, and their action potential firing directly promotes SCLC malignancy. However, the resultant high ATP demand leads to an unusual dependency on oxidative phosphorylation in NE cells. This finding contrasts with the properties of most cancer cells reported in the literature, which are non-excitable and rely heavily on aerobic glycolysis. Additionally, we found that non-NE cells metabolically support NE cells, a process akin to the astrocyte-neuron metabolite shuttle6. Finally, we observed drastic changes in the innervation landscape during SCLC progression, which coincided with increased intratumoural heterogeneity and elevated neuronal features in SCLC cells, suggesting an induction of a tumour-autonomous vicious cycle, driven by cancer cell-intrinsic electrical activity, which confers long-term tumorigenic capability and metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Peinado
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Marco Stazi
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Claudio Ballabio
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Zhaoqi Li
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caterina I Colón
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Min-Shu Hsieh
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shreoshi Pal Choudhuri
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Victor Stastny
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Seth Hamilton
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alix Le Marois
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Jodie Collingridge
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Linus Conrad
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yinxing Chen
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sheng Rong Ng
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Margaret Magendantz
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Arjun Bhutkar
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Shing Chen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Erik Sahai
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Benjamin J Drapkin
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tyler Jacks
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew G Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maksym V Kopanitsa
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Charles River Discovery Services, Portishead, UK
| | - Hugh P C Robinson
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leanne Li
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Foote AG, Sun X. A Single-Cell Atlas of the Upper Respiratory Epithelium Reveals Heterogeneity in Cell Types and Patterning Strategies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.01.16.633456. [PMID: 39896587 PMCID: PMC11785068 DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.16.633456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
The upper respiratory tract, organized along the pharyngolaryngeal-to-tracheobronchial axis, is essential for homeostatic functions such as breathing and vocalization. The upper respiratory epithelium is frequently exposed to pollutants and pathogens, making this an area of first-line defense against respiratory injury and infection. The respiratory epithelium is composed of a rich array of specialized cell types, each with unique capabilities in immune defense and injury repair. However, the precise transcriptomic signature and spatial distribution of these cell populations, as well as potential cell subpopulations, have not been well defined. Here, using single cell RNAseq combined with spatial validation, we present a comprehensive atlas of the mouse upper respiratory epithelium. We systematically analyzed our rich RNAseq dataset of the upper respiratory epithelium to reveal 17 cell types, which we further organized into three spatially distinct compartments: the Tmprss11a + pharyngolaryngeal, the Nkx2-1 + tracheobronchial, and the Dmbt1 + submucosal gland epithelium. We profiled/analyzed the pharyngolaryngeal epithelium, composed of stratified squamous epithelium, and identified distinct regional signatures, including a Keratin gene expression code. In profiling the tracheobronchial epithelium, which is composed of a pseudostratified epithelium-with the exception of the hillock structure-we identified that regional luminal cells, such as club cells and basal cells, show varying gradients of marker expression along the proximal-distal and/or dorsal-ventral axis. Lastly, our analysis of the submucosal gland epithelium, composed of an array of cell types, such as the unique myoepithelial cells, revealed the colorful diversity of between and within cell populations. Our single-cell atlas with spatial validation highlights the distinct transcriptional programs of the upper respiratory epithelium and serves as a valuable resource for future investigations to address how cells behave in homeostasis and pathogenesis. Highlights - Defined three spatially distinct epithelial compartments, Tmprss11a + pharyngolaryngeal, Nkx2-1 + tracheobronchial, and Dmbt1 + submucosal gland, comprising 17 total cell types - Profiled Keratin gene expression code along proximal-distal and basal-luminal axes and highlighted "stress-induced" Keratins KRT6A and KRT17 at homeostasis - Demarcated expression gradients of Scgb1a1 + and Scgb3a2+ club cells along the proximal-distal axes - Specified submucosal gland cell heterogeneity including Nkx3-1+ mucin-producing cells, with ACTA2+ basal myoepithelial cells exhibiting gene profile for neuroimmune mediated signaling.
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Selitrennikoff CP, Sylvia C, Sanchez M, Lawrence P, Trosch K, Carenza A, Meschter C. Evaluate the safety of a novel photohydrolysis technology used to clean and disinfect indoor air: A murine study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307031. [PMID: 39383125 PMCID: PMC11463749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need to develop new technologies that continuously eliminates harmful pollutants and pathogens in occupied indoor spaces without compromising safety. This study was undertaken to test the safety of a novel air cleaning and disinfection technology called Advanced Photohydrolysis. Advanced Photohydrolysis generates a complex mixture of ions and molecules that are released into the air and has been shown to reduce airborne and surface pathogens. Mice (6-8-week-old) were exposed to therapeutic levels of Advanced Photohydrolysis for 90-days. During the study, the Advanced-Photohydrolysis-exposed and control mice were monitored for food consumption, body weight gain, and any overt adverse effects. In addition, at the conclusion of the study, the blood chemistry and hematology values of both groups were determined. Finally, the tissues of the conduction and respiratory portions of the airways of mice from both groups were examined for any pathological changes. The mice of both groups were found to be normal and healthy throughout the 90-day study; there were no differences in the behavior, food consumption and weight gain. Analysis of clinical chemistry values found no differences in hepatocellular function or other markers of cellular and organ function, and clinical hematology values were also unremarkable. Finally, and importantly, histopathology of the upper and lower airway tissues showed no deleterious effects. These results are the first to demonstrate directly the safety of Advanced Photohydrolysis on live mammals and encourage additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude P. Selitrennikoff
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Charles Sylvia
- Comparative Biosciences, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Sanchez
- Comparative Biosciences, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, United States of America
| | | | - Kimberly Trosch
- ActivePure Technologies, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amy Carenza
- ActivePure Technologies, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carol Meschter
- Comparative Biosciences, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, United States of America
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9
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Seeholzer L. (Don't) take my breath away: Rare epithelial cells in our airways initiate reflexes to guard against harmful stimuli. Science 2024; 385:1428-1429. [PMID: 39325901 DOI: 10.1126/science.ads1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Rare epithelial cells in our airways initiate reflexes to guard against harmful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seeholzer
- Julius Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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10
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Zhu Z, Sun X. Sentinels of the airways. Science 2024; 384:269-270. [PMID: 38669581 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado9995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells in the larynx and trachea sense harmful cues and trigger protective reflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziai Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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