Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:59
Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle
Published on: May 5, 2022
Tissue and matrix influences on airway smooth muscle function
Janette K Burgess1, Claudia Ceresa, Simon R Johnson
1Discipline of Pharmacology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. janette@pharmacol.usyd.edu.au
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Airway remodelling in asthma involves changes in airway smooth muscle (ASM) and extracellular matrix (ECM). ASM cells and ECM proteins interact, influencing each other and asthma progression.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Asthma involves airway remodelling, characterized by increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) bulk and altered extracellular matrix (ECM) protein profiles.
- The precise mechanisms driving airway remodelling remain incompletely understood.
- ASM cells may significantly contribute to airway remodelling through ECM protein production and release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of how the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences airway smooth muscle (ASM) function in the context of asthma.
- To explore the reciprocal interactions between ASM cells and ECM proteins in asthmatic airways.
- To highlight the role of integrin receptors and matrix metalloproteinases in modulating ASM-ECM interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current research on ECM influence on ASM function.
- Analysis of the interplay between ASM cells and ECM components in airway remodelling.
- Discussion of cellular mechanisms, including integrin signaling and matrix metalloproteinase activity.
Main Results:
- ASM cells and ECM proteins exhibit complex, bidirectional interactions that influence airway remodelling.
- Altered ECM composition in asthma may modify ASM cell behavior, potentially mediated by integrin receptors.
- Differences in integrin subunit expression in asthmatic ASM cells can alter their responses to ECM proteins.
Conclusions:
- The extracellular matrix plays a critical role in modulating airway smooth muscle function and contributing to airway remodelling in asthma.
- Integrin receptors and matrix metalloproteinases are key regulators of ASM-ECM interactions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions and the impact of external stimuli on airway remodelling.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Extracellular Matrix
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:23Functions of Smooth Muscles
Smooth muscles are an important type of muscle tissue that plays a vital role in the involuntary movements of internal organs. For example, they help regulate the movement of food through the gut and the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.