Cystic fibrosis epithelial cells are primed for apoptosis as a result of increased Fas (CD95)

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
Qiwei ChenSinéad Weldon

Abstract

Previous work suggests that apoptosis is dysfunctional in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways with conflicting results. We evaluated the relationship between dysfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and apoptosis in CF airway epithelial cells. Apoptosis and associated caspase activity were analysed in non-CF and CF tracheal and bronchial epithelial cell lines. Basal levels of apoptosis and activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 were significantly increased in CF epithelial cells compared to controls, suggesting involvement of extrinsic apoptosis signalling, which is mediated by the activation of death receptors, such as Fas (CD95). Increased levels of Fas were observed in CF epithelial cells and bronchial brushings from CF patients compared to non-CF controls. Neutralisation of Fas significantly inhibited caspase-3 activity in CF epithelial cells compared to untreated cells. In addition, activation of Fas significantly increased caspase-3 activity and apoptosis in CF epithelial cells compared to control cells. Overall, these results suggest that CF airway epithelial cells are more sensitive to apoptosis via increased levels of Fas and subsequent activation of the Fas death receptor pathway, which may be as...Continue Reading

Citations

May 6, 2020·Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS·Samuel Lara-ReynaMichael F McDermott
Sep 3, 2020·Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society·Aderonke SofoluweMarc Chanson

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