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Lysophosphatidic acid in airway function and disease
Myron L Toews1, Tracy L Ediger, Debra J Romberger
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986260 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6260, USA. mtoews@unmc.edu
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|June 19, 2002
Summary
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) impacts airway smooth muscle contractility and proliferation, synergizing with epidermal growth factor (EGF). LPA also affects airway epithelial and fibroblast cells, suggesting roles in lung disease and repair.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator found in serum.
- LPA influences various airway cell types, suggesting a role in lung diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse effects of LPA on airway cells.
- To explore LPA's involvement in lung disease pathology and airway remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on LPA's cellular effects.
- Analysis of molecular signaling pathways mediating LPA and EGF synergism.
- Presentation of a model for LPA and EGF-induced mitogenesis.
Main Results:
- LPA enhances airway smooth muscle contractility and proliferation, synergistically with EGF.
- LPA upregulates EGF receptors and activates transcription factors (AP-1) via Ras/Rho pathways.
- LPA stimulates fibronectin secretion, filopodia extension, and fibroblast proliferation, contributing to airway remodeling.
Conclusions:
- LPA plays a significant role in airway smooth muscle function and proliferation.
- LPA-mediated signaling contributes to airway epithelial and fibroblast responses.
- LPA is implicated in airway repair and remodeling processes relevant to lung diseases like asthma.
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