Citations 3
Polymeric nanoparticle-mediated siRNA delivery into primary human bronchial airway cells
Thompson, Michael A., Hamrick, Samantha K. , Borkar, Niyati A. , Ravi, Preetham , Çiçek, Yağız Anıl , Lehot, Victor , Goswami, Ritabrita , Nagaraj, Harini , Nasim, Nourina , Rotello, Vincent M , Pabelick, Christina M , Prakash, Y S , Borkar, Niyati , Rotello, Vincent M. , Pabelick, Christina M. , Prakash, Y. S.
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology | August 10, 2026 | Volume: 331 | Issue: 3 | Pages: C783-C796
siRNA delivery to target cellular processes is an appealing area in lung diseases such as asthma. To realize this potential requires efficient, targeted cytosolic delivery without cellular toxicity or siRNA degradation. We demonstrate the efficacy of PONI-Guan nanoparticles in accessing airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells with specific siRNA targeting of mRNAs of interest while maintaining barrier integrity and avoiding cellular toxicity.
Dysregulated iron metabolism in remodeling of aging asthmatic human airways
Ngassie, Maunick Lefin Koloko, Ortiz, Yamillie , Ravi, Preetham , Pfeffer-Kleemann, Daniel A., Hamrick, Samantha K. , Thompson, Michael A., Pabelick, Christina M. , Prakash, Y. S. , Ngassie, Maunick Lefin Koloko , Koloko Ngassie, Maunick Lefin , Pfeffer-Kleemann, Daniel , Pabelick, Christina M , Prakash, Y S , Fang, Yun Hua
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology | July 29, 2026 | Volume: 331 | Issue: 3 | Pages: C558-C572
Iron is an essential element for cellular homeostasis and functionality. Increased iron in the lung is associated with aging and asthma in the elderly (AIE). Using human airway smooth muscle cells from young versus elderly versus AIE patients, we found that dysregulated iron metabolism (more than iron accumulation), resulting in activation of antioxidant systems and increased susceptibility to ferroptosis, occurs in AIE, contributing to cell hyperplasia and matrix remodeling of aging and AIE.
Differential effects of α7nAChR activation in a murine model of asthma
Borkar, Niyati A. , Lee, Kenge K., Thompson, Michael A, Bartman, Colleen M. , Nesbitt, Lisa, Hamrick, Samantha K. , Fang, Yun Hua, Prakash, Y. S. , Pabelick, Christina M, Pabelick, Christina M. , Nesbitt, Lisa L, Prakash, Y S , Pabelick, Christina M , Bartman, Colleen M , Thompson, Michael A.
American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology | March 30, 2026 | Volume: 330 | Issue: 5 | Pages: L539-L556
The studies demonstrate the differential effects of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulating airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and remodeling in a mixed allergen model of asthma. We compared wild-type (WT) versus global α7nAChR knockout (Glα7KO) versus smooth muscle-specific α7nAChR KO (smα7KO) mice. We found that smα7KO improved lung function and AHR in mice challenged with MA and in the presence of nicotine, whereas MA-challenged Glα7KO in the presence of nicotine showed worsened AHR.