Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
07:13
Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
10.9K
ADAM17 Deficiency Protects against Pulmonary Emphysema
Mohamed I Saad1,2, Louise McLeod1,2, Christopher Hodges1,2
1Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
|November 12, 2020
Summary
The protease ADAM17 is crucial in developing pulmonary emphysema, a major component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhibiting ADAM17 may offer new treatments for emphysema and COPD by reducing lung inflammation and cell death.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Protease Function
Background:
- Pulmonary emphysema, a key aspect of COPD, significantly impacts global health.
- The role of ADAM17 protease in emphysema pathogenesis is not well understood.
- ADAM17 regulates inflammation through shedding of key molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ADAM17 protease in pulmonary emphysema development.
- To determine if ADAM17 is a viable therapeutic target for COPD and emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Examined ADAM17 expression in human emphysema lung biopsies.
- Utilized emphysema mouse models (gp130F/F) and cigarette smoke exposure.
- Assessed lung pathology, inflammation, and apoptosis in wild-type and Adam17-deficient mice.
Main Results:
- ADAM17 was hyperphosphorylated in emphysema lungs from patients and mouse models.
- ADAM17 deficiency protected against emphysema development in gp130F/F mice.
- Blocking ADAM17 reduced cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- ADAM17 acts as a central molecular regulator in pulmonary emphysema.
- Targeting ADAM17 could be a therapeutic strategy for COPD and emphysema.
- ADAM17 inhibitors show promise for treating these debilitating lung diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
3.8K
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
3.8K
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
580
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
580
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
3.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.3K
01:05Breathing
63.2K
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...
63.2K
01:30Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
447
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
447
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.0K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.0K