Claudin-1 expression in airway smooth muscle exacerbates airway remodeling in asthmatic subjects

H Fujita, M Chalubinski, C Rhyner, P Indermitte… - Journal of allergy and …, 2011 - Elsevier
Background Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is an essential component of
airway remodeling and asthma development, and there is no medication specifically against
it. Tight junction (TJ) proteins, which are expressed in endothelial and epithelial cells and
affect tissue integrity, might exist in other types of cells and display additional functions in the
asthmatic lung. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the existence, regulation,
and function of TJ proteins in ASM in asthmatic patients. Methods The expression and …