Loss of signaling by the cytokine transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) in mice results in emphysema-like symptoms, whereas excessive TGFβ signaling results in pulmonary fibrosis and ventilator-associated lung injury. G proteins of the Gq/11 and G12/13 families mediate the integrin-dependent activation and release of latent TGFβ from the epithelial cells.
In a recent issue of Science Signalling, Alison John and researchers form the Nottingham Respiratory Research Unit found that mice deficient in Gq/11, but not those deficient in G12/13, in lung epithelial cells had defective TGFβ activation and emphysema-like symptoms. In addition, the Gq/11-deficient mice had lung inflammation associated with increased amounts of the cytokine IL-33. However, the mice were protected from ventilator-induced injury. Together, these data suggest that Gq/11 signaling is required for optimal TGFβ activation in the lung and the prevention of inflammation.
Researcher Dr Alison John
This research was published in Science Signalling on 25th October 2016:
Full Text Available Here: http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/sigtrans;9/451/ra104?ijkey=MuoFGdyHZyCsA&keytype=ref&siteid=sigtrans
Reprint Available Here: http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/sigtrans;9/451/ra104?ijkey=MuoFGdyHZyCsA&keytype=ref&siteid=sigtrans