Author:
Gohy Sophie T.,Hupin Cloé,Fregimilicka Chantal,Detry Bruno R.,Bouzin Caroline,Gaide Chevronay Héloïse,Lecocq Marylène,Weynand Birgit,Ladjemi Maha Z.,Pierreux Christophe E.,Birembaut Philippe,Polette Myriam,Pilette Charles
Abstract
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), epithelial changes and subepithelial fibrosis are salient features in conducting airways. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been recently suggested in COPD, but the mechanisms and relationship to peribronchial fibrosis remain unclear. We hypothesised that de-differentiation of the COPD respiratory epithelium through EMT could participate in airway fibrosis and thereby, in airway obstruction.Surgical lung tissue and primary broncho-epithelial cultures (in air–liquid interface (ALI)) from 104 patients were assessed for EMT markers. Cell cultures were also assayed for mesenchymal features and for the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.The bronchial epithelium from COPD patients showed increased vimentin and decreased ZO-1 and E-cadherin expression. Increased vimentin expression correlated with basement membrane thickening and airflow limitation. ALI broncho-epithelial cells from COPD patients also displayed EMT phenotype in up to 2 weeks of culture, were more spindle shaped and released more fibronectin. Targeting TGF-β1 during ALI differentiation prevented vimentin induction and fibronectin release.In COPD, the airway epithelium displays features of de-differentiation towards mesenchymal cells, which correlate with peribronchial fibrosis and airflow limitation, and which are partly due to a TGF-β1-driven epithelial reprogramming.
Funder
Welbio
Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS
Publisher
European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Subject
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Cited by
140 articles.
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