Richard J Hewitt, Franz Puttur, David C A Gaboriau, Frédéric Fercoq, Maryline Fresquet, William J Traves, Laura L Yates, Simone A Walker, Philip L Molyneaux, Samuel V Kemp, Andrew G Nicholson, Alexandra Rice, Edward Roberts, Rachel Lennon, Leo M Carlin, Adam J Byrne, Toby M Maher, Clare M Lloyd
Aberrant expansion of KRT5+ basal cells in the distal lung accompanies progressive alveolar epithelial cell loss and tissue remodelling during fibrogenesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanisms determining activity of KRT5+ cells in IPF have not been delineated. Here, we reveal a potential mechanism by which KRT5+ cells migrate within the fibrotic lung, navigating regional differences in collagen topography. In vitro, KRT5+ cell migratory characteristics and expression of remodelling genes are modulated by extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and organisation...
September 27, 2023: Nature Communications