The effects of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) on airway smooth muscle cell isolated from asthma model

Xiaoyu Zhang1, Zhixin Zhao1, Lijun Ma1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, People's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Insights

Transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) and TRPC3 regulate airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation by modulating calcium ion (Ca2+) influx. Targeting these channels may offer new asthma therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation is a key feature of asthma.
  • The role of specific transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPC1 and TRPC3, in ASMC proliferation and calcium (Ca2+) influx in asthma remains to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of TRPC1 and TRPC3 in regulating ASMC proliferation via Ca2+ influx in a murine asthma model.
  • To determine the effects of TRPC1 and TRPC3 modulation on ASMC viability, cell cycle, and related protein expression.

Main Methods:

  • Induced a chronic asthma model in mice and isolated ASMCs.
  • Assessed Ca2+ concentration, cell viability, and protein expression (p-p38, p-JNK, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2) following TRPC1/TRPC3 manipulation (overexpression/knockdown) and pharmacological inhibition (SKF96365).
  • Utilized Ca2+ chelators (EGTA, BAPTA-AM) to confirm the role of Ca2+ influx.

Main Results:

  • TRPC1 and TRPC3 were upregulated in asthmatic mouse ASMCs.
  • Overexpression of TRPC1/TRPC3 increased Ca2+ concentration and ASMC viability, while knockdown reduced them.
  • SKF96365 and Ca2+ chelators attenuated the observed effects, indicating a critical role for Ca2+ influx.

Conclusions:

  • TRPC1 and TRPC3 play a significant role in regulating ASMC proliferation and viability in asthma.
  • The observed effects are mediated, at least in part, by modulating Ca2+ influx through TRPC1 and TRPC3 channels.
  • These findings suggest TRPC1 and TRPC3 as potential therapeutic targets for managing airway remodeling in asthma.

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