Myocd regulates airway smooth muscle cell remodeling in response to chronic asthmatic injury

Abstract

Abnormal growth of airway smooth muscle cells is one of the key features in asthmatic airway remodeling, which is associated with asthma severity. The mechanisms underlying inappropriate airway smooth muscle cell growth in asthma remain largely unknown. Myocd has been reported to act as a key transcriptional coactivator in promoting airway-specific smooth muscle development in fetal lungs. Whether Myocd controls airway smooth muscle remodeling in asthma has not been investigated. Mice with lung mesenchyme-specific deletion of Myocd after lung development were generated, and a chronic asthma model was established by sensitizing and challenging the mice with ovalbumin for a prolonged period. Comparison of the asthmatic pathology between the Myocd knockout mice and the wild-type controls revealed that abrogation of Myocd mitigated airway smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, accompanied by reduced peri-airway inflammation, decreased fibrillar collagen deposition on airway walls, and attenuation of abnormal mucin production in airway epithelial cells. Our study indicates that Myocd is a key transcriptional coactivator involved in asthma airway remodeling. Inhibition of Myocd in asthmatic airways may be an effective approach to breaking the vicious cycle of asthmatic progression, providing a novel strategy in treating severe and persistent asthma.

Prediction and analysis of quality markers for Chuantieling gel patches based on HPLC fingerprinting and network pharmacology

“…Airway hyperresponsiveness is a characteristic feature of the asthma phenotype, leading to significant constriction of the airway smooth muscles during asthma attacks (Yang et al, 2023). Because of the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, the occurrence of asthma is on the rise in developing countries.…”

“…Dysfunction in the airway epithelial barrier function and immune response abnormalities are the primary causes of asthma (Liaqat et al, 2023; Hou et al, 2023). Airway hyperresponsiveness is a characteristic feature of the asthma phenotype, leading to significant constriction of the airway smooth muscles during asthma attacks (Yang et al, 2023). Because of the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, the occurrence of asthma is on the rise in developing countries.…”