Mechanotransduction via airway epithelial cells : the effect of compressive stress

A classic finding in asthma is a change in the structural organization of the airway epithelium. This complex process known as airway remodeling is not fully understood, and we believe that the forces accompanying airway constriction activate the epithelium and contribute to airway remodeling. To better understand this mechanotransduction mechanism we used an in vitro system of cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells that could simulate compressive stresses experienced by the epithelium during bronchoconstriction. The application of a transcellular pressure gradient (10-50cmH20) for 10 minutes resulted in transient activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - MAP kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, specialized real-time high-speed imaging revealed an exponential decrease in the volume of the compliant lateral intercellular space (LIS) separating neighboring cells. The measured LIS volume collapse curves were directly inputted into 2-D and 3-D numerical finite element models, whose output was EGFR-ligand concentration dynamics in the LIS.

Department dc:contributor.department

Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Kojić, Nikola, 1978-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jeffrey M. Drazen.

• Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/40870
• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Identifier URI

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/40870

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40870