Human Apical-Out Nasal Organoids Reveal an Essential Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Airway Epithelial Differentiation

Researchers presented a human apical-out airway organoid using a biochemically defined hybrid hydrogel system. During human nasal epithelial progenitor cell differentiation, the gel gradually degraded, leading to the organoid apical surfaces facing outward. The expression and activity of ECM-degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases increases during organoid differentiation, where inhibition of MMPs significantly suppresses the normal ciliation, resulting in increased goblet cell proportion.