Publications by authors named "M Plataki"
Article Synopsis
- Type 2 alveolar epithelial (AT2) cells play a key role in managing inflammation in the lungs after injury, and their function may be affected by poor mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism.
- The expression of an enzyme called CPT1a, crucial for fatty acid breakdown in these cells, is notably reduced in conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Deleting Cpt1a or related enzymes in AT2 cells can limit inflammation in lung injury by decreasing the production of a specific inflammatory signal (CXCL2), suggesting that impaired fatty acid metabolism serves as an anti-inflammatory mechanism in ARDS.
Article Synopsis
- AEC2 cells play a crucial role in lipid metabolism for surfactant production, which is vital for lung function.
- Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke disrupts lipid synthesis in these cells and is connected to the development of COPD.
- Mice lacking the FASN enzyme in AEC2 cells showed increased lung inflammation and altered surfactant composition, highlighting the enzyme's importance in how the lung responds to smoke exposure.
Mitochondria are well known as organelles responsible for the maintenance of cellular bioenergetics through the production of ATP. Although oxidative phosphorylation may be their most important function, mitochondria are also integral for the synthesis of metabolic precursors, calcium regulation, the production of reactive oxygen species, immune signaling, and apoptosis. Considering the breadth of their responsibilities, mitochondria are fundamental for cellular metabolism and homeostasis.
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