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Bhattarai P, Lu W, Hardikar A, Gaikwad AV, Dey S, Shahzad AM, Myers S, Williams A, Sutherland D, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Eapen MS, Sohal SS. TGFβ1, SMAD and β-catenin in pulmonary arteries of smokers, patients with small airway disease and COPD: potential drivers of EndMT. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1055-1070. [PMID: 39136529 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240721] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
We previously reported pulmonary arterial remodelling and active endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in smokers and patients with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of different drivers of EndMT. Immunohistochemical staining for EndMT drivers, TGF-β1, pSMAD-2/3, SMAD-7, and β-catenin, was performed on lung resections from 46 subjects. Twelve were non-smoker-controls (NC), six normal lung function smokers (NLFS), nine patients with small-airway diseases (SAD), nine mild-moderate COPD-current smokers (COPD-CS) and ten COPD-ex-smokers (COPD-ES). Histopathological measurements were done using Image ProPlus softwarev7.0. We observed lower levels of total TGF-β1 (P<0.05) in all smoking groups than in the non-smoking control (NC). Across arterial sizes, smoking groups exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) total and individual layer pSMAD-2/3 and SMAD-7 than in the NC group. The ratio of SAMD-7 to pSMAD-2/3 was higher in COPD patients compared with NC. Total β-catenin expression was significantly higher in smoking groups across arterial sizes (P<0.05), except for COPD-ES and NLFS groups in small and medium arteries, respectively. Increased total β-catenin was positively correlated with total S100A4 in small and medium arteries (r = 0.35, 0.50; P=0.02, 0.01, respectively), with Vimentin in medium arteries (r = 0.42, P=0.07), and with arterial thickness of medium and large arteries (r = 0.34, 0.41, P=0.02, 0.01, respectively). This is the first study uncovering active endothelial SMAD pathway independent of TGF-β1 in smokers, SAD, and COPD patients. Increased expression of β-catenin indicates its potential interaction with SMAD pathway, warranting further research to identify the deviation of this classical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Bhattarai
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Hardikar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide South Australia, 5000 Australia
| | - Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Affan Mahmood Shahzad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Andrew Williams
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Darren Sutherland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathew S Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
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Agraval H, Kandhari K, Yadav UCS. MMPs as potential molecular targets in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition driven COPD progression. Life Sci 2024; 352:122874. [PMID: 38942362 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122874] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality globally and the risk of developing lung cancer is six times greater in individuals with COPD who smoke compared to those who do not smoke. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases by promoting inflammation and tissue degradation. Furthermore, MMPs are involved in key processes like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and invasion in lung cancer. While EMT has traditionally been associated with the progression of lung cancer, recent research highlights its active involvement in individuals with COPD. Current evidence underscores its role in orchestrating airway remodeling, fostering airway fibrosis, and contributing to the potential for malignant transformation in the complex pathophysiology of COPD. The precise regulatory roles of diverse MMPs in steering EMT during COPD progression needs to be elucidated. Additionally, the less-understood aspect involves how these MMPs bi-directionally activate or regulate various EMT-associated signaling cascades during COPD progression. This review article explores recent advancements in understanding MMPs' role in EMT during COPD progression and various pharmacological approaches to target MMPs. It also delves into the limitations of current MMP inhibitors and explores novel, advanced strategies for inhibiting MMPs, potentially offering new avenues for treating respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Agraval
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Kushal Kandhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Umesh C S Yadav
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Kraik K, Tota M, Laska J, Łacwik J, Paździerz Ł, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cells 2024; 13:1271. [PMID: 39120302 PMCID: PMC11311642 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151271] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent chronic inflammatory respiratory disorders that, despite having distinct pathophysiological underpinnings, both feature airflow obstruction and respiratory symptoms. A critical component in the pathogenesis of each condition is the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine that exerts varying influences across these diseases. In asthma, TGF-β is significantly involved in airway remodeling, a key aspect marked by subepithelial fibrosis, hypertrophy of the smooth muscle, enhanced mucus production, and suppression of emphysema development. The cytokine facilitates collagen deposition and the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are crucial in the structural modifications within the airways. In contrast, the role of TGF-β in COPD is more ambiguous. It initially acts as a protective agent, fostering tissue repair and curbing inflammation. However, prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke causes TGF-β signaling malfunction. Such dysregulation leads to abnormal tissue remodeling, marked by excessive collagen deposition, enlargement of airspaces, and, thus, accelerated development of emphysema. Additionally, TGF-β facilitates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process contributing to the phenotypic alterations observed in COPD. A thorough comprehension of the multifaceted role of TGF-β in asthma and COPD is imperative for elaborating precise therapeutic interventions. We review several promising approaches that alter TGF-β signaling. Nevertheless, additional studies are essential to delineate further the specific mechanisms of TGF-β dysregulation and its potential therapeutic impacts in these chronic respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kraik
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Paździerz
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, Dey S, Bhattarai P, Shahzad AM, Chia C, Jaffar J, Westall G, Sutherland D, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Lu W, Sohal SS. TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-Catenin Are Augmented in the Pulmonary Arteries from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Role in Driving Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). J Clin Med 2024; 13:1160. [PMID: 38398472 PMCID: PMC10888973 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041160] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: We have previously reported that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an active process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) contributing to arterial remodelling. Here, we aim to quantify drivers of EndMT in IPF patients compared to normal controls (NCs). Methods: Lung resections from thirteen IPF patients and eleven NCs were immunohistochemically stained for EndMT drivers, including TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin. Intima, media, and adventitia were analysed for expression of each EndMT driver in pulmonary arteries. Computer- and microscope-assisted Image ProPlus7.0 image analysis software was used for quantifications. Results: Significant TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin expression was apparent across all arterial sizes in IPF (p < 0.05). Intimal TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin were augmented in the arterial range of 100-1000 μm (p < 0.001) compared to NC. Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin percentage expression showed a strong correlation with the percentage expression of intimal vimentin (r' = 0.54, p = 0.05 and r' = 0.61, p = 0.02, respectively) and intimal N-cadherin (r' = 0.62, p = 0.03 and r' = 0.70, p = 0.001, respectively). Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin expression were significantly correlated with increased intimal thickness as well (r' = 0.52, p = 0.04; r' = 0.052, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, intimal TGF-β1 expression was also significantly associated with increased intimal elastin deposition (r' = 0.79, p = 0.002). Furthermore, total TGF-β1 expression significantly impacted the percentage of DLCO (r' = -0.61, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This is the first study to illustrate the involvement of active TGF-β/Smad-2/3-dependent and β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling pathways in driving EndMT and resultant pulmonary arterial remodelling in patients with IPF. EndMT is a potential therapeutic target for vascular remodelling and fibrosis in general in patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Prem Bhattarai
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Affan Mahmood Shahzad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Jade Jaffar
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Glen Westall
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Darren Sutherland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
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Bhattarai P, Lu W, Hardikar A, Dey S, Gaikwad AV, Shahzad AM, Chia C, Williams A, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Eapen MS, Sohal SS. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is an active process in smokers and patients with early COPD contributing to pulmonary arterial pathology. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00767-2023. [PMID: 38348240 PMCID: PMC10860200 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00767-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported pulmonary arterial remodelling in smokers and patients with early COPD, which can be attributed to endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate if EndMT is an active mechanism in smokers and COPD. Methods Immunohistochemical staining for the EndMT biomarkers CD31, N-cadherin, vimentin and S100A4 was done on lung resection tissue from 49 subjects. These comprised 15 nonsmoker controls (NC), six normal lung function smokers (NLFS), nine patients with small airway disease (SAD), nine current smokers with mild-moderate COPD (COPD-CS) and 10 ex-smokers with COPD (COPD-ES). Pulmonary arteries were analysed using Image ProPlus software v7.0. Results We noted reduced junctional CD31+ endothelial cells (p<0.05) in the intimal layer of all smoking groups compared to NC. We also observed increased abundance of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (p<0.05) and vimentin (p<0.001) in all smoking groups and across all arterial sizes versus NC, except for N-cadherin in large arteries in COPD-CS. The abundance of S100A4 correlated with arterial thickness (small: r=0.29, p=0.05; medium: r=0.33, p=0.03; large: r=0.35, p=0.02). Vimentin in the small arterial wall negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (r= -0.35, p=0.02) and forced expiratory flow rate at 25-75% of forced vital capacity (r= -0.34, p=0.03), while increased cytoplasmic CD31 abundance in the intimal layer of medium and large arteries negatively correlated with predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (medium: r= -0.35, p=0.04; large: r= -0.39, p=0.03). Conclusion This is the first study showing the acquisition of mesenchymal traits by pulmonary endothelial cells from NLFS, SAD and mild-moderate COPD patients through EndMT. This informs on the potential early origins of pulmonary hypertension in smokers and patients with early COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Bhattarai
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Hardikar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Affan Mahmood Shahzad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew Williams
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
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Lu W, Eapen MS, Hardikar A, Chia C, Robertson I, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Sohal SS. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition changes in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients with early COPD. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00581-2023. [PMID: 38152085 PMCID: PMC10752287 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00581-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) might be central to lung cancer development in smokers and COPD. We illustrate EMT changes in a broader demographic of patient groups who were diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). These included COPD current and ex-smokers, patients with small airway disease and normal lung function smokers compared to normal controls. Methods We had access to surgically resected small airway tissue from 46 subjects and assessed for airway wall thickness and immunohistochemically for the EMT biomarkers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, S100A4, vimentin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). All tissue analysis was done with a computer and microscope-assisted Image-Pro Plus 7.0 software. Results Airway wall thickness significantly increased across all pathological groups (p<0.05) compared to normal controls. Small airway epithelial E-cadherin expression markedly decreased (p<0.01), and increases in N-cadherin, vimentin, S100A4 and EGFR expression were observed in all pathological groups compared to normal controls (p<0.01). Vimentin-positive cells in the reticular basement membrane, lamina propria and adventitia showed a similar trend to epithelium across all pathological groups (p<0.05); however, such changes were only observed in reticular basement membrane for S100A4 (p<0.05). Vimentin was higher in adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma; in contrast, S100A4 was higher in the squamous cell carcinoma group. EGFR and N-cadherin expression in both phenotypes was markedly higher than E-cadherin, vimentin and S100A4 (p<0.0001). Conclusion EMT is an active process in the small airway of smokers and COPD diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer, contributing to small airway remodelling and cancer development as seen in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Hardikar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Iain Robertson
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie L. Hackett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
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