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Does cartilage down-regulate growth factor expression in tracheal epithelium?
W Hicks1, L Sigurdson, E Gabalski
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Cartilage in the trachea impairs respiratory epithelial cell (REC) migration by altering transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and TGF-beta expression. This finding may help regulate REC proliferation and differentiation after injury.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tracheal integrity relies on extracellular matrix deposition, remodeling, and angiogenesis, coordinated with epithelial repair.
- Respiratory epithelial cells (REC) exhibit poor migration and proliferation capabilities in large conducting airways post-injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the tracheal cartilaginous framework reduces REC migratory ability compared to type I collagen alone.
- To determine if this reduction is linked to altered expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and TGF-beta.
Main Methods:
- A composite culture system was developed, mimicking the tracheal lumen with cartilage, submucosa (type I collagen), and REC.
- Control cultures used REC on type I collagen alone.
- Morphological analysis and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction for TGF-alpha and TGF-beta expression were performed.
Main Results:
- REC in composite cultures showed reduced spreading and a less squamoid morphology compared to controls.
- Expression of both TGF-alpha and TGF-beta was significantly lower in REC from composite cultures.
Conclusions:
- Tracheal cartilage modulates TGF-alpha and TGF-beta expression in REC.
- This modulation by cartilage may play a role in regulating REC proliferation and differentiation, impacting airway repair.