Pulmonary Cell News Volume 4.29 | Jul 30 2015

The TNF Family Molecules LIGHT and Lymphotoxin αβ Induce a Distinct Steroid-Resistant Inflammatory Phenotype in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
The authors investigated the responsiveness of human lung epithelial cells to the TNF family molecules LIGHT and lymphotoxin αβ (LTαβ). Bronchial and alveolar epithelial cell lines, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells, were stimulated with LIGHT and LTαβ, and expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis/remodeling were measured. [J Immunol] Abstract

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Mitigates the Inhibition of Airway Epithelial Cell Repair by Neutrophil Elastase
Investigators determined if neutrophil elastase (NE) activity could inhibit epithelial homeostasis and repair and whether any functional effect was reversible by antiprotease alpha 1-antitrypsin treatment. Viability, inflammation, apoptosis and proliferation were all assessed in healthy non-cystic fibrosis (CF) and CF pediatric primary airway epithelial cells during exposure to physiologically relevant NE. [Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol] Abstract

Decreased CXCL12 Is Associated with Impaired Alveolar Epithelial Cell Migration and Poor Lung Healing after Lung Resection
Scientists determined the role of C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) on alveolar epithelial cell migration and lung wound healing. [Surgery] Abstract

Cell-Contact Dependent Inhibition of Monocytes by Airway Epithelial Cells and Reversion by Infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Scientists determined how bronchial epithelial cells affect the activation of monocytes. Under healthy conditions, airway epithelial cells were shown to inhibit reactivity of monocytes. [Immunobiology] Abstract

LUNG CANCER

Activation of the BMP-BMPR Pathway Conferred Resistance to EGFR-TKIs in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with EGFR Mutations
Researchers reported that the resistance of lung squamous cell carcinomas harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) was due to the activation of BMP-BMPR-Smad1/5-p70S6K. The combined treatment of these tumor cells with EGFR-TKI, together with inhibitors specific to BMPR or downstream mTOR, effectively reversed the resistance to EGFR-TKI. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

CXCR7 Mediates TGFβ1-Promoted EMT and Tumor-Initiating Features in Lung Cancer
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) upregulated CXC chemokine receptor expression, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell formation in lung adenocarcinoma. [Oncogene] Abstract

Minocycline Enhances Mitomycin C-Induced Cytotoxicity through Down-Regulating ERK1/2-Mediated Rad51 Expression in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Minocycline treatment inhibited cell viability and proliferation of two non-small cell lung cancer cells, A549 and H1975. Treatment with minocycline decreased Rad51 mRNA and protein levels through MKK1/2-ERK1/2 inactivation. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract

DDX5 Promotes Proliferation and Tumorigenesis of NSCLC Cells via Activating β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Scientists examined the expression of DDX5 in clinical non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples, investigated its role in regulating NSCLC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, and explored the possible molecular mechanism. [Cancer Sci] Abstract

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Moerae Initiates Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Challenge Study of Inhaled MMI-0100 for Pulmonary Disease Following Encouraging Safety and Tolerability Observed in Single Ascending Dose Phase I Study
Moerae Matrix Inc. announced the initiation of its second Phase I clinical trial with MMI-0100, a first-in-class inhibitor of MAPKAP kinase 2 that is being developed for pulmonary disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. [Moerae Matrix Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

Discovery Labs Receives $1.0 Million under an SBIR Grant in Continuing Support of the Development of Aerosolized KL4 Surfactant to Address Radiation-Induced Lung Injury
Discovery Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has received the second $1.0M tranche under a previously awarded Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant valued at up to $3.0 million to support continued development of the company’s aerosolized KL4 surfactant as a potential medical countermeasure to mitigate acute and chronic/late-phase radiation-induced lung injury. [Discovery Laboratories, Inc.] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Positions – Cancer Research (Rutgers University)

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