An Inhibitory Function of TRPA1 Channels in TGF-β1-driven Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation.

TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1) is a nonselective Ca-permeable cation channel, which was originally cloned from human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). TRPA1-mediated Ca entry is evoked by exposure to several chemicals, including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and a protective effect of TRPA1 activation in the development of cardiac fibrosis has been proposed. Yet the function of TRPA1 in TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)-driven fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and the development of pulmonary fibrosis remains elusive.

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Airway Toxicity and Disease: An Update.

Our respiratory system is exposed to toxicants and pathogens from both sides: the airways and the vasculature. While tracheal, bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells form a natural barrier in the airways, endothelial cells protect the lung from perfused toxic compounds, particulate matter and invading microorganism in the vascular system. Damages induce inflammation by our immune response and wound healing by (myo)fibroblast proliferation.

TRPM7 restrains plasmin activity and promotes transforming growth factor-β1 signaling in primary human lung fibroblasts.

Sustained exposure of the lung to various environmental or occupational toxins may eventually lead to pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating disease with no cure. Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as fibronectin and collagens. The peptidase plasmin degrades the ECM, but protein levels of the plasmin activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are increased in fibrotic lung tissue, thereby dampening plasmin activity.

Deciphering the minimal quantity of mouse primary cells to undergo nephrogenesis ex vivo.

Background: Tissue organoids derived from primary cells have high potential for studying organ development and diseases in numerous organs. They recreate the morphological structure and mimic the functions of given organ while being compact in size, easy to produce, and suitable for use in various experimental setups.

Results: In this study we established the number of cells that form mouse kidney rudiments at E11.

Ca Signaling by TRPV4 Channels in Respiratory Function and Disease.

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily are broadly expressed in our body and contribute to multiple cellular functions. Most interestingly, the fourth member of the vanilloid family of TRP channels (TRPV4) serves different partially antagonistic functions in the respiratory system. This review highlights the role of TRPV4 channels in lung fibroblasts, the lung endothelium, as well as the alveolar and bronchial epithelium, during physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Store-operated Ca entry in primary murine lung fibroblasts is independent of classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels and contributes to cell migration.

Stromal interaction molecules (STIM1, 2) are acting as sensors for Ca in intracellular stores and activate Orai channels at the plasma membrane for store-operated Ca entry (SOCE), while classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel mediate receptor-operated Ca entry (ROCE). Several reports, however, indicate a role for TRPC in SOCE in certain cell types. Here, we analyzed Ca influx and cell function in TRPC1/6-deficient (TRPC1/6) and STIM1/2- deficient (STIM1/2) primary murine lung fibroblasts (pmLF).