Notch signaling prevents mucous metaplasia in mouse conducting airways during postnatal development

Lfng-expressing centroacinar cell is a unique cell-of-origin for p53 deficient pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with limited understanding of etiology. Studies in mice showed that both acinar and ductal cells of the pancreas can be targeted by combination of oncogenic Kras and p53 mutations to form PDAC. How the transforming capacities of pancreatic cells are constrained, and whether a subset of cells could serve as a prime target for oncogenic transformation, remain obscure. Here we report that expression of a Notch modulator, Lunatic Fringe (Lfng), is restricted to a limited number of cells with centroacinar location and morphology in the adult pancreas. Lfng-expressing cells are preferentially targeted by oncogenic Kras along with p53 deletion to form PDAC, and deletion of Lfng blocks tumor initiation from these cells. Notch3 is a functional Notch receptor for PDAC initiation and progression in this context. Lfng is upregulated in acinar- and ductal-derived PDAC and its deletion suppresses these tumors. Finally, high LFNG expression is associated with high grade and poor survival in human patients. Taken together, Lfng marks a centroacinar subpopulation that is uniquely susceptible to oncogenic transformation when p53 is lost, and Lfng functions as an oncogene in all three lineages of the exocrine pancreas.

Subtype-specific role for Jagged1 in promoting or inhibiting breast tumor formation

Notch signaling is altered in breast cancer. Recent studies highlighted both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic roles for Notch in this tissue. The function of Jagged1, the most highly expressed Notch ligand in the mammary gland, is not well defined. Here we report that deletion of Jagged1 in the mammary epithelium of virgin mice led to expansion of the mammary stem cell (MaSC) compartment and defective luminal differentiation associated with decreased expression of the progesterone receptor (PR). In contrast, deletion of Jagged1 in alveolar cells of pregnant mice had no effect on alveolar and lactogenic differentiation or post-lactational involution. Interestingly, deletion of Jagged1 promoted mouse mammary tumor formation from luminal cells but suppressed them from basal cells, associated with downregulation of Notch target genes Hey1 and Hey2, respectively. In agreement with mouse experiments, high expression of JAG1 and HEY1 are associated with better overall survival among patients with luminal tumors, whereas high expression of JAG1 and HEY2 are both associated with worse overall survival in basal subtype of human breast cancer. These results identified Jagged1 as an important regulator of mammary epithelial hierarchy and revealed differential roles of Jagged1-mediated Notch signaling in different subtypes of breast cancer arising from distinct cell types.

From bench to bedside: an interdisciplinary journey through the gut-lung axis with insights into lung cancer and immunotherapy

This comprehensive review undertakes a multidisciplinary exploration of the gut-lung axis, from the foundational aspects of anatomy, embryology, and histology, through the functional dynamics of pathophysiology, to implications for clinical science. The gut-lung axis, a bidirectional communication pathway, is central to understanding the interconnectedness of the gastrointestinal- and respiratory systems, both of which share embryological origins and engage in a continuous immunological crosstalk to maintain homeostasis and defend against external noxa. An essential component of this axis is the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue system (MALT), which orchestrates immune responses across these distant sites. The review delves into the role of the gut microbiome in modulating these interactions, highlighting how microbial dysbiosis and increased gut permeability ("leaky gut") can precipitate systemic inflammation and exacerbate respiratory conditions. Moreover, we thoroughly present the implication of the axis in oncological practice, particularly in lung cancer development and response to cancer immunotherapies. Our work seeks not only to synthesize current knowledge across the spectrum of science related to the gut-lung axis but also to inspire future interdisciplinary research that bridges gaps between basic science and clinical application. Our ultimate goal was to underscore the importance of a holistic understanding of the gut-lung axis, advocating for an integrated approach to unravel its complexities in human health and disease.

Disease-specific transcriptional programs govern airway goblet cell metaplasia

Hypersecretion of airway mucus caused by goblet cell metaplasia is a characteristic of chronic pulmonary inflammatory diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Goblet cells originate from airway progenitor club cells. However, the molecular mechanisms and features of goblet cell metaplasia in lung disease are poorly understood. Herein, public single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of human lungs were reanalyzed to explore the transitional phase as club cells differentiate into goblet cells in asthma, CF, and COPD. We found that changes in club and goblet cells during pathogenesis and cellular transition were associated with signalling pathways related to immune response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Moreover, other key drivers of goblet cell specification appeared to be pathologically specific, with interleukin (IL)-13 and hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-induced genetic changes in asthma, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation being present in CF, and interactions with CD8+ T cells, mitophagy, and mitochondria-induced apoptosis in COPD. In conclusion, this study revealed the similarities and differences in goblet cell metaplasia in asthma, CF, and COPD at the transcriptome level, thereby providing insights into possible novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

Emerging cell and molecular targets for treating mucus hypersecretion in asthma

Mucus provides a protective barrier that is crucial for host defense in the lungs. However, excessive or abnormal mucus can have pathophysiological consequences in many pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Patients with asthma are treated with agents that relax airway smooth muscle and reduce airway inflammation, but responses are often inadequate. In part, this is due to the inability of existing therapeutic agents to directly target mucus. Accordingly, there is a critical need to better understand how mucus hypersecretion and airway plugging are affected by the epithelial cells that synthesize, secrete, and transport mucus components. This review highlights recent advances in the biology of mucin glycoproteins with a specific focus on MUC5AC and MUC5B, the chief macromolecular components of airway mucus. An improved mechanistic understanding of key steps in mucin production and secretion will help reveal novel potential therapeutic strategies.

Lung Epithelial Cell Line Immune Responses to Pneumocystis

Pneumocystis sp. are fungal pathogens and members of the Ascomycota phylum. Immunocompetent individuals can readily eliminate the fungus, whereas immunocompromised individuals can develop Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Currently, over 500,000 cases occur worldwide, and the organism is listed on the recently released WHO fungal priority pathogens list. Overall, the number of PJP cases over the last few decades in developed countries with the use of highly effective antiretroviral therapy has decreased, but the cases of non-HIV individuals using immunosuppressive therapies have significantly increased. Even with relatively effective current anti-Pneumocystis therapies, the mortality rate remains 30-60% in non-HIV patients and 10-20% during initial episodes of PJP in HIV/AIDS patients. Although the role of alveolar macrophages is well studied and established, there is also well-established and emerging evidence regarding the role of epithelial cells in the immune response to fungi. This mini review provides a brief overview summarizing the innate immune response of the lung epithelium and various continuously cultured mammalian cell lines to Pneumocystis.

TMEM16A/F support exocytosis but do not inhibit Notch-mediated goblet cell metaplasia of BCi-NS1.1 human airway epithelium

Cl- channels such as the Ca2+ activated Cl- channel TMEM16A and the Cl- permeable phospholipid scramblase TMEM16F may affect the intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i), which could act as an intracellular signal. Loss of airway expression of TMEM16A induced a massive expansion of the secretory cell population like goblet and club cells, causing differentiation into a secretory airway epithelium. Knockout of the Ca2+-activated Cl- channel TMEM16A or the phospholipid scramblase TMEM16F leads to mucus accumulation in intestinal goblet cells and airway secretory cells. We show that both TMEM16A and TMEM16F support exocytosis and release of exocytic vesicles, respectively. Lack of TMEM16A/F expression therefore causes inhibition of mucus secretion and leads to goblet cell metaplasia. The human basal epithelial cell line BCi-NS1.1 forms a highly differentiated mucociliated airway epithelium when grown in PneumaCult™ media under an air liquid interface. The present data suggest that mucociliary differentiation requires activation of Notch signaling, but not the function of TMEM16A. Taken together, TMEM16A/F are important for exocytosis, mucus secretion and formation of extracellular vesicles (exosomes or ectosomes) but the present data do no not support a functional role of TMEM16A/F in Notch-mediated differentiation of BCi-NS1.1 cells towards a secretory epithelium.

Blocking Notch signalling reverses miR-155-mediated inflammation in allergic rhinitis

Although recent studies have shown that the Notch signalling pathway induces the production of Th2-related immune factors, the exact mechanism through which Notch signalling exacerbates allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. To investigate the roles of Notch in AR, serum, nasal mucosa and spleen samples were isolated from BALB/c mice. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) to assess inflammation. Flow cytometry was performed to detect group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in the serum samples, and cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The mRNA expression levels of the Notch signalling pathway components and miR-155 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were cultured to investigate the functional consequences of Notch pathway inhibition. The findings demonstrated that symptomatology and pathology were substantially altered, and AR model mice were established. In vivo stimulation with ovalbumin (OVA) significantly increased the Th2-type immune responses and the expression of OVA-sIgE, IL-4, GATA3, NF-κB and miR-155. However, the Notch signalling pathway was significantly deteriorated in AR, and this effect was accompanied by reduced Notch1, Notch2, RBPj and Hes1 levels. These effects were abrogated by gamma-secretase inhibitor IX (DAPT) treatment, and DAPT inhibited the wound healing and proliferation of HNEpCs in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, our results suggest that blocking the Notch pathway may alleviate miR-155-mediated inflammation via the regulation of immune homeostasis in AR.

Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles and Mannan Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Stress Indicators, and Intestinal Microarchitecture of Broilers Reared under High Stocking Density

The current study investigated the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation in ameliorating high stocking density (HSD) stress in broilers. A total of 392 day-old male chicks were divided into seven groups with eight replicates (n = 7): NSD [basal diet (BD) + normal stocking density: 10 bird/m2], HSD [BD + high stocking density: 16 bird/m2], Se−HSD [BD + Selenium (Se) 0.15 mg/kg], MOS−HSD (BD + MOS 5 gm/kg), Se−MOS−HSD (BD + Se 0.15 mg/kg and MOS 5 gm/kg), SeNPs−HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg) and SeNPs−MOS−HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg and MOS-5 gm/kg). HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) weekly body weight and body weight gain and increased (p < 0.05) FCR compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with SeNPs and the SeNPs−MOS combination improved (p < 0.05) the weekly body weight and FCR in HSD-stressed broilers during the 5th and 6th weeks. On day 21, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area (VSA) and increased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) duodenal VH and VH:CD, and jejunal total goblet cell (TGC) density and decreased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol and ileal intra-epithelial lymphocyte (IEL) density in HSD-stressed broilers. On day 42, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal and jejunal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and TGC density, Ileal VSA and TGC density, and increased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) spleen and bursa absolute weights, duodenal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and jejunal VH, VH:CD, and decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density in HSD-stressed broilers. Our findings signify that HSD is stressful for broilers particularly during the finishing phase. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination mitigated HSD stress by partially improving the gut microarchitecture, gut barrier function and performance indicators.

Assemblies of JAG1 and JAG2 determine tracheobronchial cell fate in mucosecretory lung disease

Mucosecretory lung disease compromises airway epithelial function and is characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia and ciliated cell hypoplasia. Goblet and ciliated cell types are derived from tracheobronchial stem/progenitor cells via a Notch-dependent mechanism. Although specific arrays of Notch receptors regulate cell fate determination, the function of the ligands Jagged1 (JAG1) and JAG2 is unclear. This study examined JAG1 and JAG2 function using human air-liquid-interface cultures that were treated with γ-secretase complex (GSC) inhibitors, neutralizing peptides/antibodies, or WNT/β-catenin pathway antagonists/agonists. These experiments revealed that JAG1 and JAG2 regulated cell fate determination in the tracheobronchial epithelium; however, their roles did not adhere to simple necessity and sufficiency rules. Biochemical studies indicated that JAG1 and JAG2 underwent posttranslational modifications that resulted in generation of a JAG1 C-terminal peptide and regulated the abundance of full-length JAG2 on the cell surface. GSC and glycogen synthase kinase 3 were implicated in these posttranslational events, but WNT agonist/antagonist studies and RNA-Seq indicated a WNT-independent mechanism. Collectively, these data suggest that posttranslational modifications create distinct assemblies of JAG1 and JAG2, which regulate Notch signal strength and determine the fate of tracheobronchial stem/progenitor cells.

Prominin 1 and Notch regulate ciliary length and dynamics in multiciliated cells of the airway epithelium

Differences in ciliary morphology and dynamics among multiciliated cells of the respiratory tract contribute to efficient mucociliary clearance. Nevertheless, little is known about how these phenotypic differences are established. We show that Prominin 1 (Prom1), a transmembrane protein widely used as stem cell marker, is crucial to this process. During airway differentiation, Prom1 becomes restricted to multiciliated cells, where it is expressed at distinct levels along the proximal-distal axis of the airways. Prom1 is induced by Notch in multiciliated cells, and Notch inactivation abolishes this gradient of expression. Prom1 was not required for multicilia formation, but when inactivated resulted in longer cilia that beat at a lower frequency. Disruption of Notch resulted in opposite effects and suggested that Notch fine-tunes Prom1 levels to regulate the multiciliated cell phenotype and generate diversity among these cells. This mechanism could contribute to the innate defense of the lung and help prevent pulmonary disease.

Roles of airway basal stem cells in lung homeostasis and regenerative medicine

Airway basal stem cells (BSCs) in the proximal airways are recognized as resident stem cells capable of self-renewing and differentiating to virtually every pseudostratified epithelium cell type under steady-state and after acute injury. In homeostasis, BSCs typically maintain a quiescent state. However, when exposed to acute injuries by either physical insults, chemical damage, or pathogen infection, the remaining BSCs increase their proliferation rate apace within the first 24 h and differentiate to restore lung homeostasis. Given the progenitor property of airway BSCs, it is attractive to research their biological characteristics and how they maintain homeostatic airway structure and respond to injury. In this review, we focus on the roles of BSCs in lung homeostasis and regeneration, detail the research progress in the characteristics of airway BSCs, the cellular and molecular signaling communications involved in BSCs-related airway repair and regeneration, and further discuss the in vitro models for airway BSC propagation and their applications in lung regenerative medicine therapy.

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated is required for efficient proximal airway epithelial cell regeneration following influenza A virus infection

Children and young adults with mutant forms of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a kinase involved in DNA damage signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis, suffer from recurrent respiratory infections, immune deficiencies, and obstructive airways disease associated with disorganized airway epithelium. We previously showed in mice how Atm was required to mount a protective immune memory response to influenza A virus [IAV; Hong Kong/X31 (HKx31), H3N2]. Here, Atm wildtype (WT) and knockout (Atm-null) mice were used to investigate how Atm is required to regenerate the injured airway epithelium following IAV infection. When compared with WT mice, naive Atm-null mice had increased airway resistance and reduced lung compliance that worsened during infection before returning to naïve levels by 56 days postinfection (dpi). Although Atm-null lungs appeared pathologically normal before infection by histology, they developed an abnormal proximal airway epithelium after infection that contained E-cadherin+, Sox2+, and Cyp2f2+ cells lacking secretoglobin family 1 A member 1 (Scgb1a1) protein expression. Patchy and low expression of Scgb1a1 were eventually observed by 56 dpi. Genetic lineage tracing in HKx31-infected mice revealed club cells require Atm to rapidly and efficiently restore Scgb1a1 expression in proximal airways. Since Scgb1a1 is an immunomodulatory protein that protects the lung against a multitude of respiratory challenges, failure to efficiently restore its expression may contribute to the respiratory diseases seen in individuals with ataxia telangiectasia.

Role of notch signaling pathway in Muc5ac secretion induced by atmospheric PM2.5 in rats

BACKGROUND

The secretion of Muc5ac is closely related to the pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of bronchial asthma. Atmospheric PM_2.5 entered the airway can irritate and corrode the bronchial wall, affecting the expression and secretion of Muc5ac. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the role of the Notch signaling pathway in mucin section induced by atmospheric PM_2.5 in rats.

METHODS

Fifty rats were divided randomly into five groups: the control received physiological saline; the health, health Notch signaling pathway inhibition and asthma, asthma Notch signaling pathway inhibition groups received 7.5 mg/kg PM_2.5. PM_2.5 or saline was instilled into the trachea at 2-day intervals for two doses. IL-1β, TNF-α and Muc5ac levels were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of Notch signaling pathway genes were detected by real time PCR. The levels of Notch signaling pathway protein were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

The levels of Muc5ac in the lungs and TNF-α in serum of asthmatic rats exposed to PM2.5 was the highest, and when Notch signaling pathway was inhibited, the levels of Muc5ac in the lungs and tracheas and TNF-α in serum of asthmatic rats exposed to PM2.5 was significantly decreased. Hes1 mRNA expression level in trachea was the lowest in the asthma inhibition group; and inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway could decrease the mRNA and protein levels of Hes1 in rats' lung. The mRNA relative levels of Notch3 and Notch4 in rats' trachea, the protein levels of Notch3 in rats' lung, and the mRNA relative levels of Jagged1 and Jaggeed2 in rats' lung were more consist with the changes of Muc5ac, TNF-α and Hes1.

CONCLUSION

Notch signaling pathway played an important role in Muc5ac secretion induced by atmospheric PM_2.5 of the asthmatic rats' airways. Jagged1 and Jagged2 interacting with Notch3 and Notch4 regulated the expression of Hes1, further regulated TNF-α in the process of PM_2.5 inducing the secretion of Muc5ac.

LKB1 deficiency upregulates RELM-α to drive airway goblet cell metaplasia

Targeting airway goblet cell metaplasia is a novel strategy that can potentially reduce the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. Tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is an important regulator of the proliferation and differentiation of stem/progenitor cells. In this study, we report that LKB1 expression was downregulated in the lungs of patients with COPD and in those of cigarette smoke-exposed mice. Nkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/f mice with conditional loss of Lkb1 in mouse lung epithelium displayed airway mucus hypersecretion and pulmonary macrophage infiltration. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the lung tissues from Nkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/f mice further revealed that airway goblet cell differentiation was altered in the absence of LKB1. An organoid culture study demonstrated that Lkb1 deficiency in mouse airway (club) progenitor cells promoted the expression of FIZZ1/RELM-α, which drove airway goblet cell differentiation and pulmonary macrophage recruitment. Additionally, monocyte-derived macrophages in the lungs of Nkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/f mice exhibited an alternatively activated M2 phenotype, while expressing RELM-α, which subsequently aggravated airway goblet cell metaplasia. Our findings suggest that the LKB1-mediated crosstalk between airway progenitor cells and macrophages regulates airway goblet cell metaplasia. Moreover, our data suggest that LKB1 agonists might serve as a potential therapeutic option to treat respiratory disorders associated with goblet cell metaplasia.

The NOTCH3 Downstream Target HEYL Is Required for Efficient Human Airway Basal Cell Differentiation

Basal cells (BCs) are stem/progenitor cells of the mucociliary airway epithelium, and their differentiation is orchestrated by the NOTCH signaling pathway. NOTCH3 receptor signaling regulates BC to club cell differentiation; however, the downstream responses that regulate this process are unknown. Overexpression of the active NOTCH3 intracellular domain (NICD3) in primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) on in vitro air–liquid interface culture promoted club cell differentiation. Bulk RNA-seq analysis identified 692 NICD3-responsive genes, including the classical NOTCH target HEYL, which increased in response to NICD3 and positively correlated with SCGB1A1 (club cell marker) expression. siRNA knockdown of HEYL decreased tight junction formation and cell proliferation. Further, HEYL knockdown reduced club, goblet and ciliated cell differentiation. In addition, we observed decreased expression of HEYL in HBECs from donors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) vs. normal donors which correlates with the impaired differentiation capacity of COPD cells. Finally, overexpression of HEYL in COPD HBECs promoted differentiation into club, goblet and ciliated cells, suggesting the impaired capacity of COPD cells to generate a normal airway epithelium is a reversible phenotype that can be regulated by HEYL. Overall, our data identify the NOTCH3 downstream target HEYL as a key regulator of airway epithelial differentiation.

VEGF receptor 2 (KDR) protects airways from mucus metaplasia through a Sox9-dependent pathway

Mucus-secreting goblet cells are the dominant cell type in pulmonary diseases, e.g., asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF), leading to pathologic mucus metaplasia and airway obstruction. Cytokines including IL-13 are the major players in the transdifferentiation of club cells into goblet cells. Unexpectedly, we have uncovered a previously undescribed pathway promoting mucous metaplasia that involves VEGFa and its receptor KDR. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis coupled with genetic mouse modeling demonstrates that loss of epithelial VEGFa, KDR, or MEK/ERK kinase promotes excessive club-to-goblet transdifferentiation during development and regeneration. Sox9 is required for goblet cell differentiation following Kdr inhibition in both mouse and human club cells. Significantly, airway mucous metaplasia in asthmatic and CF patients is also associated with reduced KDR signaling and increased SOX9 expression. Together, these findings reveal an unexpected role for VEGFa/KDR signaling in the defense against mucous metaplasia, offering a potential therapeutic target for this common airway pathology.

Cigarette Smoke Activates NOTCH3 to Promote Goblet Cell Differentiation in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Increased numbers of mucus-producing secretory ("goblet") cells, defined as goblet cell metaplasia or hyperplasia (GCMH), contributes significantly to COPD pathophysiology. The objective of this study was to determine whether NOTCH signaling regulates goblet cell differentiation in response to cigarette smoke. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from nonsmokers and smokers with COPD were differentiated in vitro on air-liquid interface and exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 7 days. NOTCH signaling activity was modulated using 1) the NOTCH/γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ), 2) lentiviral overexpression of the NICD3 (NOTCH3-intracellular domain), or 3) NOTCH3-specific siRNA. Cell differentiation and response to CSE were evaluated by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and RNA sequencing. We found that CSE exposure of nonsmoker airway epithelium induced goblet cell differentiation characteristic of GCMH. Treatment with DBZ suppressed CSE-dependent induction of goblet cell differentiation. Furthermore, CSE induced NOTCH3 activation, as revealed by increased NOTCH3 nuclear localization and elevated NICD3 protein levels. Overexpression of NICD3 increased the expression of goblet cell-associated genes SPDEF and MUC5AC, whereas NOTCH3 knockdown suppressed CSE-mediated induction of SPDEF and MUC5AC. Finally, CSE exposure of COPD airway epithelium induced goblet cell differentiation in a NOTCH3-dependent manner. These results identify NOTCH3 activation as one of the important mechanisms by which cigarette smoke induces goblet cell differentiation, thus providing a novel potential strategy to control GCMH-related pathologies in smokers and patients with COPD.

Notch Transduction in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The evolutionarily-conserved Notch signaling pathway plays critical roles in cell communication, function and homeostasis equilibrium. The pathway serves as a cell-to-cell juxtaposed molecular transducer and is crucial in a number of cell processes including cell fate specification, asymmetric cell division and lateral inhibition. Notch also plays critical roles in organismal development, homeostasis, and regeneration, including somitogenesis, left-right asymmetry, neurogenesis, tissue repair, self-renewal and stemness, and its dysregulation has causative roles in a number of congenital and acquired pathologies, including cancer. In the lung, Notch activity is necessary for cell fate specification and expansion, and its aberrant activity is markedly linked to various defects in club cell formation, alveologenesis, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. In this review, we focus on the role this intercellular signaling device plays during lung development and on its functional relevance in proximo-distal cell fate specification, branching morphogenesis, and alveolar cell determination and maturation, then revise its involvement in NSCLC formation, progression and treatment refractoriness, particularly in the context of various mutational statuses associated with NSCLC, and, lastly, conclude by providing a succinct outlook of the therapeutic perspectives of Notch targeting in NSCLC therapy, including an overview on prospective synthetic lethality approaches.

Blocking Notch3 Signaling Abolishes MUC5AC Production in Airway Epithelial Cells from Individuals with Asthma

In asthma, goblet cell numbers are increased within the airway epithelium, perpetuating the production of mucus that is more difficult to clear and results in airway mucus plugging. Notch1, Notch2, or Notch3, or a combination of these has been shown to influence the differentiation of airway epithelial cells. How the expression of specific Notch isoforms differs in fully differentiated adult asthmatic epithelium and whether Notch influences mucin production after differentiation is currently unknown. We aimed to quantify different Notch isoforms in the airway epithelium of individuals with severe asthma and to examine the impact of Notch signaling on mucin MUC5AC. Human lung sections and primary bronchial epithelial cells from individuals with and without asthma were used in this study. Primary bronchial epithelial cells were differentiated at the air-liquid interface for 28 days. Notch isoform expression was analyzed by Taqman quantitative PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize and quantify Notch isoforms in human airway sections. Notch signaling was inhibited in vitro using dibenzazepine or Notch3-specific siRNA, followed by analysis of MUC5AC. NOTCH3 was highly expressed in asthmatic airway epithelium compared with nonasthmatic epithelium. Dibenzazepine significantly reduced MUC5AC production in air-liquid interface cultures of primary bronchial epithelial cells concomitantly with suppression of NOTCH3 intracellular domain protein. Specific knockdown using NOTCH3 siRNA recapitulated the dibenzazepine-induced reduction in MUC5AC. We demonstrate that NOTCH3 is a regulator of MUC5AC production. Increased NOTCH3 signaling in the asthmatic airway epithelium may therefore be an underlying driver of excess MUC5AC production.

Enhanced Notch3 signaling contributes to pulmonary emphysema in a Murine Model of Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a heritable disorder of connective tissue, caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene. Pulmonary functional abnormalities, such as emphysema and restrictive lung diseases, are frequently observed in patients with MFS. However, the pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of pulmonary involvement in MFS patients are underexplored. Notch signaling is essential for lung development and the airway epithelium regeneration and repair. Therefore, we investigated whether Notch3 signaling plays a role in pulmonary emphysema in MFS. By using a murine model of MFS, fibrillin-1 hypomorphic mgR mice, we found pulmonary emphysematous-appearing alveolar patterns in the lungs of mgR mice. The septation in terminal alveoli of lungs in mgR mice was reduced compared to wild type controls in the early lung development. These changes were associated with increased Notch3 activation. To confirm that the increased Notch3 signaling in mgR mice was responsible for structure alterations in the lungs, mice were treated with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglucine t-butyl ester (DAPT), a γ-secretase inhibitor, which inhibits Notch signaling. DAPT treatment reduced lung cell apoptosis and attenuated pulmonary alteration in mice with MFS. This study indicates that Notch3 signaling contributes to pulmonary emphysema in mgR mice. Our results may have the potential to lead to novel strategies to prevent and treat pulmonary manifestations in patients with MFS.

Lung regeneration: a tale of mice and men

The respiratory system is the main site of gas exchange with the external environment in complex terrestrial animals. Within the trachea and lungs are multiple different tissue niches each consisting of a myriad of cells types with critical roles in air conduction, gas exchange, providing important niche specific cell-cell interactions, connection to the cardiovascular system, and immune surveillance. How the respiratory system responds to external insults and executes the appropriate regenerative response remains challenging to study given the plethora of cell and tissue interactions for this to occur properly. This review will examine the various cell types and tissue niches found within the respiratory system and provide a comparison between mouse and human lungs and trachea to highlight important similarities and differences. Defining the critical gaps in knowledge in human lung and tracheal regeneration is critical for future development of therapies directed towards respiratory diseases.

Exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common chronic respiratory disease in premature infants with growing evidence that genetic factors contribute largely to moderate and severe cases. We assessed by exome sequencing if rare genetic variants could account for extremely severe phenotypes. We selected 6 infants born very preterm with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and 8 very preterm born controls for exome sequencing. We filtered whole exome sequencing results to include only rare variants and selected variants and/or genes with variants that were present in at least 2 cases and absent in controls. We selected variants, all heterozygous, in 9 candidate genes, 7 with a putative role in lung development and 2 that displayed 3 variations in 3 different cases, independently of their potential role in lung development. Sequencing of 5 other severe cases for these variants did not replicate our results.Conclusion: In selected preterm born infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and controls, we failed to find any rare variant shared by several infants with an extremely severe phenotype. Our results are not consistent with the role of rare causative variants in bronchopulmonary dysplasia's development and argue for the highly polygenic nature of susceptibility of this disorder.What is Known:• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a multifactorial disease resulting from complex environmental and genetic interactions occurring in an immature lung.• It is not known whether rare genetic variants in coding regions could account for extreme phenotypes of the disease.What is New:• In a group of infants with an extreme phenotype of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and in comparison to controls, no common genetic variants were found, nor did variants that were select in other exome studies in this setting.• These results argue for the highly polygenic nature of susceptibility of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Paradigms that define lung epithelial progenitor cell fate in development and regeneration

Purpose of Review

Throughout the lifespan, lung injury impedes the primary critical function essential for life-respiration. To repair quickly and efficiently is critical and is orchestrated by a diverse repertoire of progenitor cells and their niche. This review incorporates knowledge gained from early studies in lung epithelial morphogenesis and cell fate and explores its relevance to more recent findings of lung progenitor and stem cells in development and regeneration.

Recent Findings

Cell fate in the lung is organized into an early specification phase and progressive differentiation phase in lung development. The advent of single cell analysis combined with lineage analysis and projections is uncovering new functional cell types in the lung providing a topographical atlas for progenitor cell lineage commitment during development, homeostasis, and regeneration.

Summary

Lineage commitment of lung progenitor cells is spatiotemporally regulated during development. Single cell sequencing technologies have significantly advanced our understanding of the similarities and differences between developmental and regenerative cell fate trajectories. Subsequent unraveling of the molecular mechanisms underlying these cell fate decisions will be essential to manipulating progenitor cells for regeneration.

Jagged and Delta-like ligands control distinct events during airway progenitor cell differentiation

Notch signaling regulates cell fate selection during development in multiple organs including the lung. Previous studies on the role of Notch in the lung focused mostly on Notch pathway core components or receptor-specific functions. It is unclear, however, how Jagged or Delta-like ligands collectively or individually (Jag1, Jag2, Dll1, Dll4) influence differentiation of airway epithelial progenitors. Using mouse genetic models we show major differences in Jag and Dll in regulation and establishment of cell fate. Jag ligands had a major impact in balancing distinct cell populations in conducting airways, but had no role in the establishment of domains and cellular abundance in the neuroendocrine (NE) microenvironment. Surprisingly, Dll ligands were crucial in restricting cell fate and size of NE bodies and showed an overlapping role with Jag in differentiation of NE-associated secretory (club) cells. These mechanisms may potentially play a role in human conditions that result in aberrant NE differentiation, including NE hyperplasias and cancer.

STK11 is required for the normal program of ciliated cell differentiation in airways

The functional properties of mucosal surfaces are dependent on establishing the correct proportions of specialized epithelial cell types. Multiciliated cells (also known as ciliated cells) are evolutionarily conserved and functionally indispensable epithelial cells, as suggested by the link between ciliated cell dysfunction and chronic human disease. Ciliated cell differentiation is an ordered process that involves initial cell fate determination and multiciliogenesis. STK11, a serine/threonine kinase, has been reported to be downregulated in human diseases associated with ciliopathies and functions as a tumor suppressor. Here, we show that STK11 is a physiological factor for the normal program of ciliated cell differentiation by phosphorylating MARK3, which directly suppresses ERK1/2 mediated pRB inactivation. Loss of Stk11 in airway progenitors impairs the differentiation of ciliated cells in both embryonic and adult airways. Our study establishes that STK11/MARK3/ERK1/2 signaling cascade is a key regulator to integrate ciliated cell fate commitment and the subsequent process of multiciliogenesis.

Primary infection by Pneumocystis induces Notch-independent Clara cell mucin production in rat distal airways

Clara cells are the main airway secretory cells able to regenerate epithelium in the distal airways through transdifferentiating into goblet cells, a process under negative regulation of the Notch pathway. Pneumocystis is a highly prevalent fungus in humans occurring between 2 and 5 months of age, a period when airways are still developing and respiratory morbidity typically increases. Pneumocystis induces mucus hyperproduction in immunocompetent host airways and whether it can stimulate Clara cells is unknown. Markers of Clara cell secretion and Notch1 activation were investigated in lungs of immunocompetent rats at 40, 60, and 80 days of age during Pneumocystis primary infection with and without Valproic acid (VPA), a Notch inducer. The proportion of rats expressing mucin increased in Pneumocystis-infected rats respect to controls at 60 and 80 days of age. Frequency of distal airways Clara cells was maintained while mRNA levels for the mucin-encoding genes Muc5B and Muc5ac in lung homogenates increased 1.9 and 3.9 times at 60 days of infection (P. = 0.1609 and P. = 0.0001, respectively) and protein levels of the Clara cell marker CC10 decreased in the Pneumocystis-infected rats at 60 and 80 days of age (P. = 0.0118 & P. = 0.0388). CC10 and Muc5b co-localized in distal airway epithelium of Pneumocystis-infected rats at day 60. Co-localization of Muc5b and Ki67 as marker of mitosis in distal airways was not observed suggesting that Muc5b production by Clara cells was independent of mitosis. Notch levels remained similar and no transnucleation of activated Notch associated to Pneumocystis infection was detected. Unexpectedly, mucus was greatly increased at day 80 in Pneumocystis-infected rats receiving VPA suggesting that a Notch-independent mechanism was triggered. Overall, data suggests a Clara to goblet cell transdifferentiation mechanism induced by Pneumocystis and independent of Notch.

Requirement for MUC5AC in KRAS-dependent lung carcinogenesis

With more than 150,000 deaths per year in the US alone, lung cancer has the highest number of deaths for any cancer. These poor outcomes reflect a lack of treatment for the most common form of lung cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) is the most prevalent subtype of NSCLC, with the main oncogenic drivers being KRAS and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Whereas EGFR blockade has led to some success in lung ADC, effective KRAS inhibition is lacking. KRAS-mutant ADCs are characterized by high levels of gel-forming mucin expression, with the highest mucin levels corresponding to worse prognoses. Despite these well-recognized associations, little is known about roles for individual gel-forming mucins in ADC development causatively. We hypothesized that MUC5AC/Muc5ac, a mucin gene known to be commonly expressed in NSCLC, is crucial in KRAS/Kras-driven lung ADC. We found that MUC5AC was a significant determinant of poor prognosis, especially in patients with KRAS-mutant tumors. In addition, by using mice with lung ADC induced chemically with urethane or transgenically by mutant-Kras expression, we observed significantly reduced tumor development in animals lacking Muc5ac compared with controls. Collectively, these results provide strong support for MUC5AC as a potential therapeutic target for lung ADC, a disease with few effective treatments.

NOTCH3 contributes to rhinovirus-induced goblet cell hyperplasia in COPD airway epithelial cells

RATIONALE

Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is one of the cardinal features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to airways obstruction. Rhinovirus (RV), which causes acute exacerbations in patients with COPD, also causes prolonged airways obstruction. Previously, we showed that RV enhances mucin gene expression and increases goblet cell number in a COPD mouse model. This study examines whether RV causes sustained GCH in relevant models of COPD.

METHODS

Mucociliary-differentiated COPD and normal airway epithelial cell cultures and mice with normal or COPD phenotype were infected with RV or sham and examined for GCH by immunofluorescence and/or mucin gene expression. In some experiments, RV-infected COPD cells and mice with COPD phenotype were treated with γ-secretase inhibitor or interleukin-13 neutralising antibody and assessed for GCH. To determine the contribution of NOTCH1/3 in RV-induced GCH, COPD cells transduced with NOTCH1/3 shRNA were used.

RESULTS

RV-infected COPD, but not normal cell cultures, showed sustained GCH and increased mucin genes expression. Microarray analysis indicated increased expression of NOTCH1, NOTCH3 and HEY1 only in RV-infected COPD cells. Blocking NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, attenuated RV-induced GCH in vitro. Inhibition of NOTCH signalling by γ-secretase inhibitor, but not neutralising antibody to IL-13, abrogated RV-induced GCH and mucin gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

RV induces sustained GCH via NOTCH3 particularly in COPD cells or mice with COPD phenotype. This may be one of the mechanisms that may contribute to RV-induced prolonged airways obstruction in COPD.

From the Cover: ImpairedProliferation and Differentiation of the Conducting Airway Epithelium Associated With Bronchiolitis Obliterans After Sulfur Mustard Inhalation Injury in Rats

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that causes chronic airway remodeling. This study's objective was to assess for changes to the bronchiolar epithelium after SM exposure to explain its contribution to chronic airway remodeling.

Materials and methods

Adult male rats were exposed to a sublethal dose of SM inhalation (1.0-1.2 mg/kg) for 50 min. Histological sections of the bronchiolar epithelium were analyzed for changes using hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, and immunofluorescent staining for acetylated tubulin (AT) and club cell secretory protein (CCSP). CCSP in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was assessed using western blot. A bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU) assay was used to assess for epithelial proliferation, and real-time PCR measured changes in Notch mRNA expression.

Results

SM caused significant proximal bronchiolar epithelial injury with epithelial denudation, loss of acetylated tubulin and CCSP staining, and reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid CCSP levels. bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU) + staining of proximal bronchiolar epithelial cells was not increased, but staining was increased in the distal bronchiolar epithelium. One month after injury, the proximal bronchiolar epithelium was not fully repaired. Significant collagen deposition surrounded proximal bronchioles with luminal obstruction, consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. These changes corresponded with a downregulation of Notch1, Notch3, and Hes1 mRNA expressions.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that SM exposure resulted in severe proximal airway epithelial injury, persistent morphological changes, impaired epithelial proliferation and, ultimately, bronchiolitis obliterans. These changes occurred at the same time that the Notch signaling genes were downregulated. Thus, the lung epithelium and the Notch signaling pathway may be worthy targets for the prevention of chronic airway remodeling after SM inhalation injury.

Notch Signaling: Linking Embryonic Lung Development and Asthmatic Airway Remodeling

Lung development is mediated by assorted signaling proteins and orchestrated by complex mesenchymal-epithelial interactions. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell-cell communication mechanism that exhibits a pivotal role in lung development. Notably, both aberrant expression and loss of regulation of Notch signaling are critically linked to the pathogenesis of various lung diseases, in particular, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and asthmatic airway remodeling; implying that precise regulation of intensity and duration of Notch signaling is imperative for appropriate lung development. Moreover, evidence suggests that Notch signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Herein, we summarized all-recent advances associated with the mechanistic role of Notch signaling in lung development, consequences of aberrant expression or deletion of Notch signaling in linking early-impaired lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling, and all recently investigated potential therapeutic strategies to treat asthmatic airway remodeling.

JAG1-Mediated Notch Signaling Regulates Secretory Cell Differentiation of the Human Airway Epithelium

Basal cells (BC) are the stem/progenitor cells of the human airway epithelium capable of differentiating into secretory and ciliated cells. Notch signaling activation increases BC differentiation into secretory cells, but the role of individual Notch ligands in regulating this process in the human airway epithelium is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to define the role of the Notch ligand JAG1 in regulating human BC differentiation. JAG1 over-expression in BC increased secretory cell differentiation, with no effect on ciliated cell differentiation. Conversely, knockdown of JAG1 decreased expression of secretory cell genes. These data demonstrate JAG1-mediated Notch signaling regulates differentiation of BC into secretory cells.

Lung development, regeneration and plasticity: From disease physiopathology to drug design using induced pluripotent stem cells

Lungs have a complex structure composed of different cell types that form approximately 17 million airway branches of gas-delivering bronchioles connected to 500 million gas-exchanging alveoli. Airways and alveoli are lined by epithelial cells that display a low rate of turnover at steady-state, but can regenerate the epithelium in response to injuries. Here, we review the key points of lung development, homeostasis and epithelial cell plasticity in response to injury and disease, because this knowledge is required to develop new lung disease treatments. Of note, canonical signaling pathways that are essential for proper lung development during embryogenesis are also involved in the pathophysiology of most chronic airway diseases. Moreover, the perfect control of these interconnected pathways is needed for the successful differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into lung cells. Indeed, differentiation of iPSC into airway epithelium and alveoli is based on the use of biomimetics of normal embryonic and fetal lung development. In vitro iPSC-based models of lung diseases can help us to better understand the impaired lung repair capacity and to identify new therapeutic targets and new approaches, such as lung cell therapy.

Lunatic Fringe and p53 Cooperatively Suppress Mesenchymal Stem-Like Breast Cancer

Claudin-low breast cancer (CLBC) is a poor prognosis molecular subtype showing stemness and mesenchymal features. We previously discovered that deletion of a Notch signaling modulator, Lunatic Fringe (Lfng), in the mouse mammary gland induced a subset of tumors resembling CLBC. Here we report that deletion of one copy of p53 on this background not only accelerated mammary tumor development but also led to a complete penetrance of the mesenchymal stem-like phenotype. All mammary tumors examined in the Lfng/p53 compound mutant mice displayed a mesenchymal/spindloid pathology. These tumors showed high level expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including Vimentin, Twist, and PDGFRα, a gene known to be enriched in CLBC. Prior to tumor onset, Lfng/p53 mutant mammary glands exhibited increased levels of Vimentin and E-cadherin, but decreased expressions of cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 8, accompanied by elevated basal cell proliferation and an expanded mammary stem cell-enriched population. Lfng/p53 mutant glands displayed increased accumulation of Notch3 intracellular fragment, up-regulation of Hes5 and down-regulation of Hes1. Analysis in human breast cancer datasets found the lowest HES1 and second lowest LFNG expressions in CLBC among molecular subtypes, and low level of LFNG is associated with poor survival. Immunostaining of human breast cancer tissue array found correlation between survival and LFNG immunoreactivity. Finally, patients carrying TP53 mutations express lower LFNG than patients with wild type TP53. Taken together, these data revealed genetic interaction between Lfng and p53 in mammary tumorigenesis, established a new mouse model resembling CLBC, and may suggest targeting strategy for this disease.

Repeated whole cigarette smoke exposure alters cell differentiation and augments secretion of inflammatory mediators in air-liquid interface three-dimensional co-culture model of human bronchial tissue

In vitro models of human bronchial epithelium are useful for toxicological testing because of their resemblance to in vivo tissue. We constructed a model of human bronchial tissue which has a fibroblast layer embedded in a collagen matrix directly below a fully-differentiated epithelial cell layer. The model was applied to whole cigarette smoke (CS) exposure repeatedly from an air-liquid interface culture while bronchial epithelial cells were differentiating. The effects of CS exposure on differentiation were determined by histological and gene expression analyses on culture day 21. We found a decrease in ciliated cells and perturbation of goblet cell differentiation. We also analyzed the effects of CS exposure on the inflammatory response, and observed a significant increase in secretion of IL-8, GRO-α, IL-1β, and GM-CSF. Interestingly, secretion of these mediators was augmented with repetition of whole CS exposure. Our data demonstrate the usefulness of our bronchial tissue model for in vitro testing and the importance of exposure repetition in perturbing the differentiation and inflammation processes.

Developmental pathways in lung regeneration

The key processes of lung development have been elucidated in the past several decades, helping to identify and characterize the resident progenitor cells that ultimately generate the mature organ. The adult lung is a complex organ consisting in scores of different cell lineages that are remarkably quiescent in the absence of injury. Despite low cellular turnover, the lung can respond quickly and dramatically to acute damage, with spatially restricted stem and progenitor cells re-entering the cell cycle and differentiating to promote repair. The findings from lung developmental biology are now being used to examine the mechanisms that underlie lung regeneration. The use of in vitro models such as pluripotent stem cells and new methods of gene editing have provided models for understanding lung disease and exploring the mechanisms of lung regeneration and have raised the prospect of correcting lung dysfunction. We outline the way that basic studies into lung developmental biology are now being applied to lung regeneration, opening up new avenues of research that may ultimately be harnessed for treatments of lung disease.

Runx2, a novel regulator for goblet cell differentiation and asthma development

Airway goblet cell differentiation and related mucus overproduction are critical processes in the development of respiratory diseases, including asthma. The underlying mechanisms, however, are not fully understood. We identified Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) as a novel regulator for goblet cell differentiation. Runx2 was up-regulated by 6.4-fold during IL-13-induced goblet cell differentiation of human bronchial epithelial cells. Knockdown of Runx2 attenuated the IL-13-induced differentiation/mucus production by 67%. Mechanistically, Runx2 bound to the promoter of SAM-pointed domain-containing Ets-like factor (SPDEF), a known factor for goblet cell differentiation, resulting in an activation of SPDEF transcription. In vivo, Runx2 was induced by 6.2-fold in pulmonary epithelium of house dust mite-challenged mice. Blockade of Runx2 inhibited the house dust mite-induced goblet cell differentiation with a 75% reduction in mucus overproduction while improving airway responsiveness to methacholine by 41%. More importantly, a 12.3-fold increase in Runx2 expression was observed in human asthma lung epithelium, underlying the potential clinical importance of these findings.-Shi, N., Zhang, J., Chen, S.-Y. Runx2, a novel regulator for goblet cell differentiation and asthma development.

Notch signaling in lung diseases: focus on Notch1 and Notch3

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell–cell communication mechanism that plays a key role in lung homeostasis, injury and repair. The loss of regulation of Notch signaling, especially Notch1 and Notch3, has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of important lung diseases, in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung cancer and lung lesions in some congenital diseases. This review focuses on recent advances related to the mechanisms and the consequences of aberrant or absent Notch1/3 activity in the initiation and progression of lung diseases. Our increasing understanding of this signaling pathway offers great hope that manipulating Notch signaling may represent a promising alternative complementary therapeutic strategy in the future.

Epithelial Notch signaling regulates lung alveolar morphogenesis and airway epithelial integrity

Abnormal enlargement of the alveolar spaces is a hallmark of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Notch signaling is crucial for differentiation and regeneration and repair of the airway epithelium. However, how Notch influences the alveolar compartment and integrates this process with airway development remains little understood. Here we report a prominent role of Notch signaling in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that lead to alveolar formation in the developing lung. We found that alveolar type II cells are major sites of Notch2 activation and show by Notch2-specific epithelial deletion (Notch2(cNull)) a unique contribution of this receptor to alveologenesis. Epithelial Notch2 was required for type II cell induction of the PDGF-A ligand and subsequent paracrine activation of PDGF receptor-α signaling in alveolar myofibroblast progenitors. Moreover, Notch2 was crucial in maintaining the integrity of the epithelial and smooth muscle layers of the distal conducting airways. Our data suggest that epithelial Notch signaling regulates multiple aspects of postnatal development in the distal lung and may represent a potential target for intervention in pulmonary diseases.

Tissue crosstalk in lung development

Lung development follows a stereotypic program orchestrated by key interactions among epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Deviations from this developmental program can lead to pulmonary diseases including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Significant efforts have been made to examine the cellular and molecular basis of the tissue interactions underlying these stereotypic developmental processes. Genetically engineered mouse models, lung organ culture, and advanced imaging techniques are a few of the tools that have expanded our understanding of the tissue interactions that drive lung development. Intimate crosstalk has been identified between the epithelium and mesenchyme, distinct mesenchymal tissues, and individual epithelial cells types. For interactions such as the epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk regulating lung specification and branching morphogenesis, the key molecular players, FGF, BMP, WNT, and SHH, are well established. Additionally, VEGF regulation underlies the epithelial-endothelial crosstalk that coordinates airway branching with angiogenesis. Recent work also discovered a novel role for SHH in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition of the mesothelium. In contrast, the molecular basis for the crosstalk between upper airway cartilage and smooth muscle is not yet known. In this review we examine current evidence of the tissue interactions and molecular crosstalk that underlie the stereotypic patterning of the developing lung and mediate injury repair.

Protective effect of curcumin on acute airway inflammation of allergic asthma in mice through Notch1-GATA3 signaling pathway

Curcumin, a natural product derived from the plant Curcuma longa, has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and antifibrosis effects. It has been reported that curcumin attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice through inhibiting NF-κB and its downstream transcription factor GATA3. It also has been proved the antineoplastic effect of curcumin through down-regulating Notch1 receptor and its downstream nuclear transcription factor NF-κB levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin on acute allergic asthma and its underlying mechanisms. 36 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (normal, asthma, asthma+budesonide and asthma+curcumin groups). BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and lung tissues were analyzed for airway inflammation and the expression of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3, Notch4 and the downstream transcription factor GATA3. Our findings showed that the levels of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors were up-regulated in asthma group, accompanied by the increased expression of GATA3. But the expression of Notch2 receptor was lower than Notch1 receptor. Curcumin pretreatment improved the airway inflammatory cells infiltration and reversed the increasing levels of Notch1/2 receptors and GATA3. Notch3 receptor was not expressed in all of the four groups. Notch4 receptor protein and mRNA expression level in the four groups had no significant differences. The results of the present study suggested that Notch1 and Notch2 receptor, major Notch1 receptor, played an important role in the development of allergic airway inflammation and the inhibition of Notch1–GATA3 signaling pathway by curcumin can prevent the development and deterioration of the allergic airway inflammation. This may be a possible therapeutic option of allergic asthma.

Notch3-Jagged signaling controls the pool of undifferentiated airway progenitors

Basal cells are multipotent airway progenitors that generate distinct epithelial cell phenotypes crucial for homeostasis and repair of the conducting airways. Little is known about how these progenitor cells expand and transition to differentiation to form the pseudostratified airway epithelium in the developing and adult lung. Here, we show by genetic and pharmacological approaches that endogenous activation of Notch3 signaling selectively controls the pool of undifferentiated progenitors of upper airways available for differentiation. This mechanism depends on the availability of Jag1 and Jag2, and is key to generating a population of parabasal cells that later activates Notch1 and Notch2 for secretory-multiciliated cell fate selection. Disruption of this mechanism resulted in aberrant expansion of basal cells and altered pseudostratification. Analysis of human lungs showing similar abnormalities and decreased NOTCH3 expression in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suggests an involvement of NOTCH3-dependent events in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Activation of NOTCH1 or NOTCH3 signaling skews human airway basal cell differentiation toward a secretory pathway

Airway basal cells (BC) function as stem/progenitor cells capable of differentiating into the luminal ciliated and secretory cells to replenish the airway epithelium during physiological turnover and repair. The objective of this study was to define the role of Notch signaling in regulating human airway BC differentiation into a pseudostratified mucociliated epithelium. Notch inhibition with γ-secretase inhibitors demonstrated Notch activation is essential for BC differentiation into secretory and ciliated cells, but more so for the secretory lineage. Sustained cell autonomous ligand independent Notch activation via lentivirus expression of the intracellular domain of each Notch receptor (NICD1-4) demonstrated that the NOTCH2 and 4 pathways have little effect on BC differentiation into secretory and ciliated cells, while activation of the NOTCH1 or 3 pathways has a major influence, with persistent expression of NICD1 or 3 resulting in a skewing toward secretory cell differentiation with a parallel decrease in ciliated cell differentiation. These observations provide insights into the control of the balance of BC differentiation into the secretory vs ciliated cell lineage, a balance that is critical for maintaining the normal function of the airway epithelium in barrier defense against the inhaled environment.

The polymeric mucin Muc5ac is required for allergic airway hyperreactivity

In asthma, airflow obstruction is thought to result primarily from inflammation-triggered airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. However, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle-relaxing treatments are often temporary or ineffective. Overproduction of the mucin MUC5AC is an additional disease feature that, while strongly associated pathologically, is poorly understood functionally. Here we show that Muc5ac is a central effector of allergic inflammation that is required for airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh). In mice bred on two well-characterized strain backgrounds (C57BL/6 and BALB/c) and exposed to two separate allergic stimuli (ovalbumin and Aspergillus extract), genetic removal of Muc5ac abolishes AHR. Residual MCh responses are identical to unchallenged controls, and although inflammation remains intact, heterogeneous mucous occlusion decreases by 74%. Thus, whereas inflammatory effects on ASM alone are insufficient for AHR, Muc5ac-mediated plugging is an essential mechanism. Inhibiting MUC5AC may be effective for treating asthma and other lung diseases where it is also overproduced.

Tumor-suppressive activity of Lunatic Fringe in prostate through differential modulation of Notch receptor activation

Elevated Notch ligand and receptor expression has been associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer, suggesting a role for Notch signaling in regulation of prostate tumor initiation and progression. Here, we report a critical role for Lunatic Fringe (Lfng), which encodes an O-fucosylpeptide 3-ß-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase known to modify epidermal growth factor repeats of Notch receptor proteins, in regulation of prostate epithelial differentiation and proliferation, as well as in prostate tumor suppression. Deletion of Lfng in mice caused altered Notch activation in the prostate, associated with elevated accumulation of Notch1, Notch2, and Notch4 intracellular domains, decreased levels of the putative Notch3 intracellular fragment, as well as increased expression of Hes1, Hes5, and Hey2. Loss of Lfng resulted in expansion of the basal layer, increased proliferation of both luminal and basal cells, and ultimately, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The Lfng-null prostate showed down-regulation of prostatic tumor suppressor gene NKX3.1 and increased androgen receptor expression. Interestingly, expression of LFNG and NKX3.1 were positively correlated in publically available human prostate cancer data sets. Knockdown of LFNG in DU-145 prostate cancer cells led to expansion of CD44(+)CD24(-) and CD49f(+)CD24(-) stem/progenitor-like cell population associated with enhanced prostatosphere-forming capacity. Taken together, these data revealed a tumor-suppressive role for Lfng in the prostate through differential regulation of Notch signaling.

Walking along the Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 Route: A Key Pathway to Understand the Control and Regulation of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Cell-Lineage Formation during Lung Development and Repair after Injury

Basic research on embryonic lung development offers unique opportunities to make important discoveries that will impact human health. Developmental biologists interested in the molecular control of branching morphogenesis have intensively studied the developing lung, with its complex and seemingly stereotyped ramified structure. However, it is also an organ that is linked to a vast array of clinical problems in humans such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies and emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, and cancer in adults. Epithelial stem/progenitor cells reside in niches where they interact with specific extracellular matrices as well as with mesenchymal cells; the latter are still poorly characterized. Interactions of epithelial stem/progenitor cells with their microenvironments are usually instructive, controlling quiescence versus activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. During the past 18 years, Fgf10 has emerged not only as a marker for the distal lung mesenchyme during early lung development, but also as a key player in branching morphogenesis and a critical component of the niche for epithelial stem cells. In this paper, we will present the current knowledge regarding the lineage tree in the lung, with special emphasis on cell-lineage decisions in the lung mesenchyme and the role of Fgf10 in this context.

The cell biology of asthma

The clinical manifestations of asthma are caused by obstruction of the conducting airways of the lung. Two airway cell types are critical for asthma pathogenesis: epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Airway epithelial cells, which are the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and particles, initiate airway inflammation and produce mucus, an important contributor to airway obstruction. The other main cause of airway obstruction is contraction of airway smooth muscle. Complementary experimental approaches involving cultured cells, animal models, and human clinical studies have provided many insights into diverse mechanisms that contribute to airway epithelial and smooth muscle cell pathology in this complex disease.