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VAMP8 is a vesicle SNARE that regulates mucin secretion in airway goblet cells
Author(s) -
Jones Lisa C.,
Moussa Lama,
Fulcher M. Leslie,
Zhu Yunxiang,
Hudson Elizabeth J.,
O’Neal Wanda K.,
Randell Scott H.,
Lazarowski Eduardo R.,
Boucher Richard C.,
Kreda Silvia M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.222091
Subject(s) - mucin , goblet cell , secretion , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , exocytosis , respiratory epithelium , gene knockdown , small interfering rna , cell culture , epithelium , transfection , endocrinology , biochemistry , genetics
Non‐technical summary Mucin secretion in the lung is regulated by the soluble N ‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) exocytotic core, which has not been defined in airway goblet cells. In this study, the SNARE vesicle‐associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8) was found to be expressed in human airway epithelial goblet cells. VAMP8 knockdown by RNA interference techniques reduced airway epithelial mucin secretion induced by PAR agonists, neutrophil elastase and ATP. Basal (non‐agonist elicited) mucin secretion was also reduced as a result of VAMP8 knockdown. Importantly, mucin secretion was reduced in the lungs of VAMP8 knockout mice compared to wild‐type littermates. Our data suggest that VAMP8 is an essential SNARE in airway mucin granule exocytosis. Reduction of VAMP8 activity/expression may provide a novel therapeutic target to ameliorate airway mucus obstruction in lung diseases.