Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
06:27
iPSC-Derived Epithelial, Mesenchymal, Endothelial, and Immune Cell Co-Culture to Model Airway Barrier Integrity in Lung Health and Disease
Published on: December 6, 2024
Septin-2 mediates airway epithelial barrier function in physiologic and pathologic conditions
Venkataramana K Sidhaye1, Eric Chau, Patrick N Breysse
1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center 4B.64, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. vsidhay1@jhmi.edu
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Septin-2 protein localization in airway epithelial cells reduces barrier permeability by reorganizing actin. This regulates cell signaling in response to respiratory stimuli like shear stress and particulate matter.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Airway epithelial cells dynamically regulate barrier permeability in response to environmental stimuli.
- Maintaining epithelial barrier integrity is vital for proper respiratory function.
- Extracellular stimuli, including physiological and pathological factors, challenge this barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of septin-2 in regulating airway epithelial barrier function.
- To determine how septin-2 affects paracellular permeability and actin organization.
- To understand the impact of septin-2 mediated barrier changes on cellular signaling.
Main Methods:
- Studied human airway epithelial cells.
- Investigated septin-2 localization and cortical actin arrangement.
- Assessed changes in paracellular permeability.
- Examined epidermal growth factor signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Increased membrane septin-2 localization was observed.
- Septin-2 redistribution decreased paracellular permeability by altering cortical actin.
- This effect was induced by both shear stress and particulate matter exposure.
- Barrier function changes impacted epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.
Conclusions:
- Septin-2 plays a key role in regulating airway epithelial barrier function.
- Septin-2 modulates barrier permeability through cortical actin rearrangement.
- Dynamic barrier regulation by septin-2 is essential for controlling cellular responses to external stimuli.
Related Concept Videos
01:02Role of Septins
Septins are the recently discovered fourth major protein component of the cytoskeleton, along with microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These proteins can associate with other cytoskeletal filaments and carry out varied roles or can be free-floating in the cytoplasm.
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
01:19Septins
Septins are protein filaments forming the cytoskeleton along with the microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and other accessory proteins. In 1971 while studying the cell division cycle in mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Harwell et al. first identified the septin-related genes playing a crucial role in yeast cytokinesis. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that these proteins localize at the budding neck as rings. These ring-like proteins were then named Septins by John Pringle, and...
01:29Tight Junctions
Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:05Breathing
The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...