Functionalization-Dependent Induction of Cellular Survival Pathways by CdSe Quantum Dots in Primary Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Researchers investigated the role of heavy-metals in biological responses and the potential of CdSe induced genotoxicity. Their results indicated that while negatively charged quantum dots (QDs) are relatively non-cytotoxic compared to positively charged QDs, the same does not hold true for their genotoxic potential. [ACS Nano] Abstract Directional Secretomes Reflect Polarity Specific Functions in an In Vitro Model of Human Bronchial Epithelium Researchers defined apical and basolateral secretomes in the in vitro differentiated human bronchial epithelial model. [Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol] Abstract Hypotonic Shock Modulates Na+ Current via a Cl– and Ca2+/Calmodulin Dependent Mechanism in Alveolar Epithelial Cells Alveolar epithelial cells are involved in Na+ absorption via the epithelial Na+ channel, an important process for maintaining an appropriate volume of liquid lining the respiratory epithelium and for lung oedema clearance. Researchers investigated how a 20% hypotonic shock modulates the ionic current in these cells. [PLoS One] Full Article Genome Wide Identification and Expression Profile in Epithelial Cells Exposed to TiO2 Particles Environmental particles are believed to provoke airway inflammation in susceptible individuals by stimulating epithelial cells to release mediators that exacerbate lung diseases. Researchers sought to identify genes expressed throughout the genome by epithelial cells stimulated with TiO2 particles. [Environ Toxicol] Abstract Progressive Changes in Inflammatory and Matrix Adherence of Bronchial Epithelial Cells with Persistent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection (Progressive Changes in RSV Infection) To understand the mechanisms underlying RSV-induced long-term consequences, scientists established an in vitro RSV infection model using human bronchial epithelial cells that persists over four generations and analyzed cell inflammation and matrix adherence. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Full Article LUNG CANCER Fibulin-3-Mediated Inhibition of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Self-Renewal of ALDH+ Lung Cancer Stem Cells through IGF1R Signaling Researchers evaluated the roles and signaling mechanism of Fibulin (FBLN)3 in lung cancer stem cells. Forced expression of FBLN3 suppressed invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells and decreased the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition activators, including N-cadherin and Snail. [Oncogene] Abstract Native and Rearranged ALK Copy Number and Rearranged Cell Count in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 1426 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinical specimens and 24 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative NSCLC cell lines were investigated. Native ALK copy number increases alone were not associated with sensitivity to ALK inhibition in vitro. [Cancer] Abstract Systematic Combination Screening Reveals Synergism between Rapamycin and Sunitinib against Human Lung Cancer Investigators found that sunitinib emerged as one of the clinically available anticancer drugs screened that displayed significant synergy with rapamycin in non-small cell lung cancer cells. [Cancer Lett] Abstract High Cofilin-1 Levels Correlate with Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinomas Researchers evaluated cofilin-1 levels in intrinsically cisplatin-resistant A549 cells and determined the cisplatin toxicity in A549 cells transiently transfected and overexpressing CFL1 plasmid. [Tumor Biol] Abstract Expression of HAb18G in Non-Small Lung Cancer and Characterization of Activation, Migration, Proliferation, and Apoptosis in A549 Cells following siRNA-Induced Downregulation of HAb18G Scientists showed that HAb18G protein expression was associated with tumor diameter, lymph node status, tumor stage, and poor prognosis. Additionally, downregulation of HAb18G mRNA resulted in decreased migration, proliferation, and increased apoptosis of A549 in vitro. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract |