Stiffening of the extracellular matrix is a sufficient condition for airway hyperreactivity
R. Jamieson, S.E. Stasiak, Samuel R. Polio, R.D. Augspurg, Caroline A. McCormick, Jeffrey W. Ruberti, Harikrishnan Parameswaran
Abstract
Targeting inflammation is the central dogma on which current asthma therapy is based. Here, we show that a healthy airway can be made to constrict excessively and at a faster rate in response to the same stimulus by increasing the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, without the use of inflammatory agents. Our results provide an independent mechanism by which airway remodeling in asthma can sustain airway hyperreactivity even in the absence of inflammatory signals.
Topics & Concepts
Extracellular matrixAirwayAsthmaMedicineInflammationAirway hyperresponsivenessStimulus (psychology)StiffeningExtracellularImmunologySmall airwaysBiologyAnesthesiaCell biologyMaterials sciencePsychologyComposite materialPsychotherapistAsthma and respiratory diseasesInhalation and Respiratory Drug DeliveryCell Adhesion Molecules Research