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Cigarette smoke extract induces differential expression levels of beta-defensin peptides in human alveolar epithelial cells.
- Source :
-
Tobacco Induced Diseases . 2013, Vol. 11 Issue 1, p10-17. 8p. 1 Color Photograph, 1 Chart, 1 Graph. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Background: The damaging effects of cigarette smoke on the lungs are well known in terms of cancer risks. Additional molecular changes within the lung tissue can also occur as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke. The human &#946-defensin (hBD) class of antimicrobial peptides is the focus of our research. In addition to antimicrobial activity, &#946-defensins also have immunomodulatory functions. Over 30 previously unrecognized &#946-defensin genes have recently been identified in the human genome, many with yet to be determined functions. We postulated that altered &#946-defensin production may play a role in the pathogenesis observed in the lungs of smokers. Our hypothesis is that cigarette smoke exposure will affect the expression of &#946-defensins in human lung alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Methods: We exposed A549 cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and measured the changes in mRNA levels of several antimicrobial peptides by quantitative real-time PCR, and directly observed peptide expression in cells by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Results: We found that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 gene expression was upregulated in A549 cells exposed to CSE. HBD1, hBD8, hBD18 and LL-37 gene expression did not significantly change upon exposure to CSE. Expression of hBD3 and hBD4 peptides was visualized by IF. Conclusions: This differential expression suggests that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 may play a role in the changes to the lung tissue observed in smokers. Establishing differential &#946-defensin expression following CSE treatment will add to our understanding of the molecular response of the lung alveolar epithelium to cigarette smoke exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20707266
- Volume :
- 11
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Tobacco Induced Diseases
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 87973293
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1617-9625-11-10