Azithromycin induces epidermal differentiation and multivesicular bodies in airway epithelia.

Background: Azithromycin (Azm) is a macrolide recognized for its disease-modifying effects and reduction in exacerbation of chronic airway diseases. It is not clear whether the beneficial effects of Azm are due to its anti-microbial activity or other pharmacological actions. We have shown that Azm affects the integrity of the bronchial epithelial barrier measured by increased transepithelial electrical resistance.

MicroRNA-200c-141 and ∆Np63 are required for breast epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis.

The epithelial compartment of the breast contains two lineages, the luminal- and the myoepithelial cells. D492 is a breast epithelial cell line with stem cell properties that forms branching epithelial structures in 3D culture with both luminal- and myoepithelial differentiation. We have recently shown that D492 undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) when co-cultured with endothelial cells.

[Recurrent tumor growth in the right maxilla--a rare case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor].

28 year old male with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the right maxilla undergoes multiple surgeries for the removal of recurrent tumors over a period of 4 years and is without symptoms of recurrences today. Cells cultured from the tumor show stem cell properties that could contribute to the recurrent tumor growth. It is important to do a close follow up on patients with these traits and further recurrences cannot be excluded even though surgical edges are free of tumor growth.

deltaNp63 has a role in maintaining epithelial integrity in airway epithelium.

The upper airways are lined with a pseudostratified bronchial epithelium that forms a barrier against unwanted substances in breathing air. The transcription factor p63, which is important for stratification of skin epithelium, has been shown to be expressed in basal cells of the lungs and its ΔN isoform is recognized as a key player in squamous cell lung cancer. However, the role of p63 in formation and maintenance of bronchial epithelia is largely unknown.

Expression and functional role of sprouty-2 in breast morphogenesis.

Branching morphogenesis is a mechanism used by many species for organogenesis and tissue maintenance. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the sprouty protein family are believed to be critical regulators of branching morphogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Sprouty-2 (SPRY2) in the mammary gland and study its role in branching morphogenesis.

Drug delivery characteristics of the progenitor bronchial epithelial cell line VA10.

Purpose: To determine the integrity and permeability properties of the immortalized human VA10 bronchial epithelial cell line for its suitability as an in vitro drug permeation model.

Methods: Cells were grown under liquid-covered culture (LCC) or air-liquid interface (ALI) culture, characterized using electron microscopy and immunostaining. Integrity was measured using transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein sodium (Flu-Na).