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ACE2 expression is elevated in airway epithelial cells from older and male healthy individuals but reduced in asthmaCOVID-19 is complicated by acute lung injury, and death in some individuals. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that requires the ACE2 receptor and serine proteases to enter AEC. We determined what factors are associated with ACE2 expression particularly in patients with asthma and COPD. We obtained lower AEC from 145 people from two independent cohorts, aged 2-89 years, Newcastle (n = 115) and Perth (n = 30), Australia. The Newcastle cohort was enriched with people with asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 38). Gene expression for ACE2 and other genes potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 cell entry was assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was confirmed with immunohistochemistry on endobronchial biopsies and cultured AEC.
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Persistent induction of goblet cell differentiation in the airways: Therapeutic approachesHere we review the current knowledge of key molecular pathways that are dysregulated during persistent goblet cell differentiation
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Accumulation mode particles and LPS exposure induce TLR-4 dependent and independent inflammatory responses in the lungWe aimed to delineate the effects of LPS and AMP on airway inflammation, and potential contribution to airway disease by measuring airway inflammatory responses
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Conditionally reprogrammed primary airway epithelial cells maintain morphology, lineage and disease specific functional characteristicsHere, we show that conditionally reprogrammed airway epithelial cells (CRAECs) can be established from both healthy and diseased phenotypes.
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Vitamin D supplementation of initially vitamin D-deficient mice diminishes lung inflammation with limited effects on pulmonary epithelial integrityIn disease settings, vitamin D may be important for maintaining optimal lung epithelial integrity and suppressing inflammation, but less is known of its effects prior to disease onset.
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The genetic and epigenetic landscapes of the epithelium in asthmaGenetic factors in airway epithelial cells that are functionally associated with asthma pathogenesis
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Vulnerable from the first breath - epithelial dysfunction and respiratory outcomes in childrenWe have been studying the importance of the epithelial cells lining the airways in the nose and lungs.
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Hypoxia and sterile inflammation in cystic fibrosis airways: Mechanisms and potential therapiesIn this review, we consider recent evidence regarding hypoxia and sterile inflammation in cystic fibrosis airways
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Alpha-1 antitrypsin mitigates the inhibition of airway epithelial cell repair by neutrophil elastaseFree NE activity is deleterious for epithelial homeostasis and support the hypothesis that proteases in the airway contribute to CF structural lung disease
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Early life rhinovirus infection exacerbates house-dust-mite induced lung disease more severely in female miceEarly life rhinovirus infection influences the development of house-dust-mite induced lung disease in female, but not male mice