The long-term career goal of the Candidate is to become an independent scientist whose lab is at the interface of basic molecular and human patient-based research and to become an expert on all aspects of the biology of interieukin (IL)-4 signaling in human cells and how these pathways lead to lung diseases, such as asthma. To achieve these goals, three Specific Alms were proposed, to allow the further necessary research training and career development and to launch her independent career. The proposed K99 career/research training goals have all been met. The broad aim of the proposed research is to define the signaling and functional responses following engagement of type I lL-4 receptors by IL-4 and how these signaling pathways contribute to inflammation in diseases such as asthma.
The first Aim achieved during the K99 phase defined a 5 amino acid (aa) sequence interval within the DC chain, one component of the type I IL-4 receptor, that mediated strong tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2, a key adaptor molecule in IL-4 signaling. The interval lay between aa318 and 323 and correlated with the association of activated JAK3 in the signaling complex. Three genes, characteristic of alternatively activated macrophages and associated with chronic remodeling of the lung, were significantly augmented after IRS-2 activation through type I IL-4 receptors. Since activation of IRS-2 is critical for the enhanced expression of these genes, the goal of the second Aim to be carried out in the ROO phase will be to delineate the mechanisms that serve to negatively regulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2 in response to IL-4. The SOCS proteins and serine phosphorylation of IRS-2 will be examined as candidate mechanisms. Thirdly, the role that type I IL-4 receptor signaling plays in allergic disease will be assessed by determining receptor component expression, IL-4 signaling and negative regulatioii of IRS-2 phosphorylation in several cell types from allergic and normal donors. The mechanisms by which these changes occur in allergic cells will be determined. Revealing the molecular mechanisms of type I IL-4 receptor signaling and downregulation of lRS-2 phosphorylation by these studies will be crucial to rational design of therapies for allergic diseases, such as asthma.

Public Health Relevance

This research will further the understanding ofthe cellular signaling responses to IL-4 that contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic disease in the lung. These studies will lead to better targeted therapeutic strategies that could be used to treat diseases, such as asthma.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Transition Award (R00)
Project #
4R00HL096897-03
Application #
8307122
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Rothgeb, Ann E
Project Start
2011-09-15
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2011-09-15
Budget End
2012-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$249,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Anesthesiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
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Warren, Kristi J; Fang, Xi; Gowda, Nagaraj M et al. (2016) The TORC1-activated Proteins, p70S6K and GRB10, Regulate IL-4 Signaling and M2 Macrophage Polarization by Modulating Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-2. J Biol Chem 291:24922-24930
D'Alessio, F R; Craig, J M; Singer, B D et al. (2016) Enhanced resolution of experimental ARDS through IL-4-mediated lung macrophage reprogramming. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 310:L733-46
McCormick, Sarah M; Heller, Nicola M (2015) Commentary: IL-4 and IL-13 receptors and signaling. Cytokine 75:38-50
Luzina, Irina G; Keegan, Achsah D; Heller, Nicola M et al. (2012) Regulation of inflammation by interleukin-4: a review of ""alternatives"". J Leukoc Biol 92:753-64
Heller, Nicola M; Qi, Xiulan; Gesbert, Franck et al. (2012) The extracellular and transmembrane domains of the ýýC and interleukin (IL)-13 receptor ýý1 chains, not their cytoplasmic domains, dictate the nature of signaling responses to IL-4 and IL-13. J Biol Chem 287:31948-61