CCSP G38A polymorphism-environment interactions regulate CCSP levels differentially in COPD
AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Published online on August 05, 2016
Abstract
Impaired airway homeostasis in COPD could be partly related to Club Cell Secretory Protein (CCSP) deficiency. We hypothesize that CCSP G38A polymorphism is involved and aim to examine the influence of the CCSP G38A polymorphism on CCSP transcription levels and its regulatory mechanisms. CCSP genotype and CCSP levels in serum and sputum were assessed in 66 subjects with stable COPD included in a one-year observational study. 49 of them had an exacerbation. In an in vitro study, the impact on the CCSP promoter of 38G wild type or 38A variant was assessed. BEAS-2B cells were transfected by either the 38G or 38A construct, in the presence/absence of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cotransfections with modulating transcription factors, p53 and Nkx2.1, identified by in silico analysis using ConSite and TFSEARCH were conducted. A allele carriers COPD patients had lower serum and sputum CCSP levels, especially among active smokers, and a decreased BODE score. In vitro, baseline CCSP transcription levels were similar between the wild and variant constructs. CSE decreased more profoundly the CCSP transcription level of 38A transfected cells. The opposite effect was observed with p53 cotransfection. LPS stimulation induced CCSP repression in 38A promoter transfected cells. Cotransfection with Nkx2.1 significantly activated the CCSP promoters irrespective of the polymorphism. Circulating CCSP levels are associated with smoking and the CCSP G38A polymorphism. CSE, LPS and the Nkx2.1 and p53 transcription factors modulated the CCSP promoter efficiency. The 38A polymorphism exaggerated the CCSP repression in response to p53 and CSE.