3D Culture Model to Distinguish Normal from Malignant Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Using a reconstituted laminin-rich basement membrane (Matrigel), scientists were able to culture normal human bronchial epithelial cells and a subset of malignant cells. [Eur Respir J] Abstract Synergy of IL-27 and TNF-α in Regulating CXCL10 Expression in Lung Fibroblasts: Implications in Airway Inflammation Researchers investigated whether IL-27 modulated the synthesis of CXCL10 in primary human lung fibroblasts (HLF). HLF were activated by IL-27 alone, or in combination with other cytokines. [Am J Resp Cell Mol] Abstract p62 SQSTM1 /LC3b Complex Confers Cytoprotection on Lung Epithelial Cells after Hyperoxia Lung alveolar epithelial cells have abundant p62 expression and the p62 level is up-regulated by oxidative stress at both protein and mRNA levels. Researchers found that deletion of the p62 PBI domain or UBA domain both lead to elevated truncated BID, cleaved caspase 3 and significantly more cell death after hyperoxia. [Am J Resp Cell Mol] Abstract Mitochondrial Electron Transport Is Inhibited by Disappearance of Metallothionein in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Following Exposure to Silver Nitrate Researchers exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to AgNO3 and investigated uptake and intracellular distribution of Ag, expression of metallothionein, generation of reactive oxygen species, and changes in mitochondrial respiration. [Toxicology] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Toll Like Receptor 4 Is not Targeted to the Lysosome in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Cells Investigators examined the intracellular trafficking of toll-like-receptor 4 in cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF airway epithelial cells following stimulation with LPS. Only CF cells displayed persistent expression of Rab7b following stimulation. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract Genotoxic and Inflammatory Effects of Organic Extracts from Traffic-Related Particulate Matter in Human Lung Epithelial A549 Cells: The Role of Quinones Researchers found that significant cytotoxicity and DNA damage was caused by organic extracts from traffic-related particulate matter (oTRP). The pro-inflammatory genes, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor, and two aromatic hydrocarbon receptor-regulated genes, Cyp1a1 and 1b1, were significantly up-regulated by oTRP. [Toxicol In Vitro] Abstract LUNG CANCER LKB1 Inactivation Dictates Therapeutic Response of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer to the Metabolism Drug Phenformin Scientists report that therapeutic trials in Kras-dependent mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer revealed that tumors with Kras and Lkb1 mutations, but not those with Kras and p53 mutations, showed selective response to phenformin as a single agent, resulting in prolonged survival. [Cancer Cell] Abstract Methylation of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene 1 (BRCA1) Predicts Recurrence in Patients With Curatively Resected Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay, promoter methylation of the breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) was assessed in cancer tissues from 70 patients with curatively resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The clinical relevance of BRCA1 methylation status was evaluated in terms of outcome of the disease. [Cancer] Abstract Middle Infrared Radiation Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest in A549 Lung Cancer Cells The authors developed a middle infrared radiation emitter with emission wavelength band in the 3-5 µm region to irradiate A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. They found that middle infrared radiation exposure inhibited cell proliferation and induced morphological changes by altering the cellular distribution of cytoskeletal components. [PLoS One] Full Article RNA interference Targeting Human FAK and EGFR Suppresses Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Xenograft Growth in Nude Mice Investigators report that knockdown of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract |