23 Regulation of Age-Dependent Type Ii Cell Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Behavior

Abstract

Background and aims: Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a process where epithelial cells acquire a mesenchymal cell phenotype. EMT is activated in association with tissue repair and remodeling after injury in multiple organs including the lung. In adult lungs, EMT is associated with fibrosis. In contrast, fetal tissue is capable of wound repair without scarring or fibrosis. We previously showed that MLE12 cells, similar to primary adult type II cells, undergo EMT with expression of mesenchymal cell phenotype after transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) 1 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment. In contrast, fetal rat 21d type II cells did not undergo EMT with these treatments.

We hypothesize that ErbB receptors are important in the age-related regulation of EMT.

Methods: Primary isolated fetal d21 rat type II cells (>95% pure) were pretreated with cis-OH-proline to eliminate remaining fibroblasts, followed by a 5-day treatment with 2.5 ng/ml TGFβ-1, 10ng/ml EGF, or both. Cells were then harvested for Western Blot analysis. MLE-12 cells were used as an adult lung epithelial cell model and treated similarly.

Results:

Table

Table 1

Conclusions: These data suggest a mechanistic role of ErbB receptors in regulating the age-related induction of EMT.

Funding: NIH HL085648, Tufts Institutional Grant, DFG Da 375/3-2.

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