Effect of Slit/Robo signaling on regeneration in lung emphysema

Exp Mol Med. 2021 May;53(5):986-992. doi: 10.1038/s12276-021-00633-8. Epub 2021 May 25.

Abstract

Emphysema, a pathological component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causes irreversible damage to the lung. Previous studies have shown that Slit plays essential roles in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and organ development. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Slit2 on the proliferation and migration of mouse lung epithelial cells and its role in regeneration in an emphysema lung mouse model. Here, we have shown that Slit2/Robo signaling contributes to the regeneration of lungs damaged by emphysema. Mouse epithelial lung cells treated with Slit2 exhibited increased proliferation and migration in vitro. Our results also showed that Slit2 administration improved alveolar regeneration in the emphysema mouse model in vivo. Furthermore, Slit2/Robo signaling increased the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, which was mediated by Ras activity. These Slit2-mediated cellular signaling processes may be involved in the proliferation and migration of mouse lung epithelial cells and are also associated with the potential mechanism of lung regeneration. Our findings suggest that Slit2 administration may be beneficial for alveolar regeneration in lungs damaged by emphysema.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Line
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Elastase / adverse effects
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / etiology
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / metabolism*
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / pathology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Regeneration*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Pancreatic Elastase
  • Slit homolog 2 protein