Vitamin D regulating TGF-β induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Subepithelial fibrosis is a key feature of airway remodeling in asthma.
• Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) drives airway remodeling via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
• The impact of vitamin D on subepithelial fibrosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of calcitriol (vitamin D) on TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and airway remodeling.
• To determine if calcitriol can modulate the migratory and invasive properties of human airway epithelial cells stimulated by TGF-β.

Main Methods:

• Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were treated with calcitriol followed by TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 stimulation.
• Protein and mRNA levels of EMT markers (E-cadherin, Snail, vimentin, N-cadherin) were analyzed.
• Cell migration and invasion were assessed using scratch wound and invasion assays.

Main Results:

• TGF-β1 induced EMT markers and increased cell migration and invasion.
• TGF-β2 also induced cell migration but affected EMT markers differently than TGF-β1.
• Calcitriol significantly attenuated TGF-β-induced cell motility and inhibited EMT marker expression, particularly in response to TGF-β1.

Conclusions:

• Calcitriol inhibits TGF-β-induced migration and invasion in human airway epithelial cells.
• Vitamin D's regulatory effect on EMT is more pronounced against TGF-β1-induced changes.
• Calcitriol shows promise as a therapeutic agent for preventing and managing airway remodeling and subepithelial fibrosis in asthma.