Inhibition of PI3K Prevents Lung Fibroblast Growth
Author Information
Author(s): Conte Enrico, Fruciano Mary, Fagone Evelina, Gili Elisa, Caraci Filippo, Iemmolo Maria, Crimi Nunzio, Vancheri Carlo
Primary Institution: Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the proliferation and differentiation of human lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-β.
Conclusion
Inhibiting the PI3K pathway can prevent the proliferation and differentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Supporting Evidence
- The pan-inhibitor of PI3Ks LY294002 abrogated TGF-β-induced increases in cell proliferation.
- PI3K p110δ and p110γ were found to be functionally expressed in human lung fibroblasts.
- Selective inhibitors demonstrated a major role of p110γ and p110α in TGF-β-induced fibroblast proliferation.
Takeaway
This study shows that blocking a specific pathway in lung cells can stop them from growing too much, which is important for treating a serious lung disease.
Methodology
The study used ex-vivo cultures of human lung fibroblasts and various PI3K inhibitors to assess their effects on cell proliferation and differentiation.
Participant Demographics
Human lung fibroblasts were derived from surgical lung specimens of patients undergoing resective surgery.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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