Insights Into the Role of Elastin in Vocal Fold Health and Disease

Abstract

Elastic fibers are large, complex and surprisingly poorly understood extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules. The elastin fiber, generated from a single human gene - elastin (ELN), is a self assembling integral protein that endows critical mechanic proprieties to elastic tissues and organs such as the skin, lungs, and arteries. The biology of elastic fibers is complex because they have multiple components, a tightly regulated developmental deposition, a multi-step hierarchical assembly and unique biomechanical functions. Elastin is present in vocal folds, where it plays a pivotal role in the quality of phonation. This review article provides an overview of the genesis of elastin and its wide- ranging structure and function. Specific distribution within the vocal fold lamina propria across the lifespan in normal and pathological states and its contribution to vocal fold biomechanics will be examined. Elastin and elastin-derived molecules are increasingly investigated for their application in tissue engineering. The properties of various elastin– based materials will be discussed and their current and future applications evaluated. A new level of understanding of the biomechanical properties of vocal fold elastin composites and their molecular basis should lead to new strategies for elastic fiber repair and regeneration in aging and disease.

Modulating the Behaviors of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via the Combination of High-Frequency Vibratory Stimulations and Fibrous Scaffolds

“…Elastin is one of the major structural proteins found in vocal fold LP, providing the tissue with extensibility and elasticity that are indispensable for voice production. 44 In our study, the OF vibrations induced a > 2-fold increase in elastin expression at the mRNA level and a > 1.5-fold enhancement at the protein level for soluble elastin precursors at day 7. Compared with the CT treatment, the OF vibrations are more inductive toward elastogenesis.…”

Dynamic Vibration Cooperates with Connective Tissue Growth Factor to Modulate Stem Cell Behaviors

“…Elastin and collagen I, the major fibrous proteins rich in the intermediate and deep layers of vocal fold lamina propria, primarily provides the tissue with strength, extensibility, and elasticity that are crucial for voice production. 3,34 The elastin expression was predominantly regulated by mechanical cues, and this stimulatory effect was not abolished even after an additional 3-day static rest (with or without CTGF). On the other hand, the mRNA level of Col 1A1 was cooperatively enhanced by the combined vibration and CTGF treatment (Fig.…”

What voice tells us about genetic syndromes: The case of Williams syndrome

“…La investigación de Urbán et al (2002) demostró que las concentraciones de elastina en el tejido conjuntivo de la piel y de las arterias de las personas con SW son escasas y que las estructuras de fibras elásticas están mal organizadas. Si se tiene en cuenta que la elastina ocupa el 9 % de los tejidos de un pliegue vocal sano y adulto (Moore y Thibeault, 2012), es fácil presuponer la existencia de anomalías estructurales en el pliegue vocal de las personas con SW. Ello justifica además la hipótesis de que el timbre vocal de la persona con SW es diferente del de un locutor normativo y que en él se pueden observar los efectos de la haploinsuficiencia del gen ELN, como parte de su genotipo.…”

“…Los estudios sobre histología del pliegue vocal indican que la lámina propia (del término médico lamina propria, que designaremos como LP) es la parte del pliegue vocal con mayor concentración de elastina de toda la laringe (Moore y Thibeault, 2012). Como se ha indicado en el Apartado 1.1, esta proteína ocupa el 9 % de los tejidos de los pliegues vocales.…”

“…En la LP adulta se distinguen tres tipos diferentes de elastina: oxytalan y elanium (elastina inmadura y más escasa) y elastina madura (fibras elásti-cas). Las primeras se concentran principalmente en la capa superficial de la LP, y la elastina madura, más abundante y tupida, en las capas intermedia y profunda de la LP (Gray, Alipour, Titze y Hammond, 2000;Moore and Thibeault, 2012;Thibeault, Gray, Bless, Chan y Ford, 2002).…”