The NADPH oxidase DUOX1 is prominently expressed within the respiratory epithelium and contributes to innate response mechanisms to injury or other environmental triggers, by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating redox-dependent signaling pathways. In the present funding cycle of this project, we identified DUOX1 as a critical mediator of innate epithelial responses to allergens, by promoting epithelial secretion of the alarmin IL-33 and subsequent activation of type 2 inflammation. We also observed enhanced epithelial DUOX1 in subjects with allergic asthma, and a critical role for DUOX1 in development of various critical features of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice, such as mucus metaplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, and airway hyperresponsiveness. These actions of DUOX1 were largely related to redox-dependent activation of Src family kinases and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, both well-recognized factors in allergic inflammation and airway remodeling, in part by mediating cysteine oxidation within these kinases. During these studies, we noted that DUOX1 is not only operative within the airway epithelium, but is also present in non- epithelial cell types such as alveolar macrophages, and appears to be involved in macrophage polarization and IL-33-mediated pro-fibrotic mediators such as IL-13 and TGF-? that are involved in airway remodeling.
The first aim of this renewal application is to delineate the cell-specific actions of DUOX1 on various aspects of HDM- induced allergic inflammation and remodeling, specifically focusing on a potential role for DUOX1 in alternative neutrophil (N2) polarization or macrophage (M2) activation.
Aim 2 is to identify redox-sensitive targets of DUOX1 and characterize the molecular mechanisms by DUOX1-dependent cysteine oxidation regulates the enzymatic function of Src, using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies with various cysteine variants. Finally, based on previous findings that thiol-reactive electrophiles can inhibit DUOX1 activation, aim 3 will be to develop peptide-based cysteine-targeted approaches to pharmacologically inhibit DUOX1 activity, thus filling an unmet need for DUOX1-selective inhibitors that may be used for clinical development in treatment of severe asthma.

Public Health Relevance

This renewal application will extend ongoing studies towards the role of the NADPH oxidase homolog DUOX1 within the respiratory epithelium. In the previous funding cycle, we discovered that DUOX1 plays a critical role in innate airway responses to airborne allergens, and contributes to various important features of allergic asthma. This renewal application seeks to further understand the molecular mechanisms by which DUOX1 controls these processes, and to develop pharmacological approaches to selectively inhibit DUOX1 for potential clinical development in treatment of severe asthma.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL085646-11
Application #
9693293
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Noel, Patricia
Project Start
2008-08-05
Project End
2021-04-30
Budget Start
2019-05-01
Budget End
2020-04-30
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066811191
City
Burlington
State
VT
Country
United States
Zip Code
05405
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