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Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Cavernous Malformations of the Brain and Spinal Cord: Consensus Recommendations Based on a Systematic Literature Review by the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation Clinical Advisory Board Experts P
Akers, Amy , Albanese, John S. , Alcazar‐Félix, Roberto J. , Salman, Rustam Al‐Shahi , Awad, Issam A. , Connolly, E. Sander , Danehy, Amy , Flemming, Kelly D. , Gordon, Errol, Kim, Helen , Lee, Cornelia , McCormick, Paul C., Marchuk, Douglas A. , Smith, Edward R. , Smith, Kelsey M., Srivastava, Siddharth , Taylor, J. Michael , Vadivelu, Sudhakar , Al-Shahi Salman, Rustam , Mabray, Marc C , Marchuk, Douglas A , Alcazar-Felix, Roberto J , Flemming, Kelly D , Kim, Helen , Smith, Edward , Hage, Stephanie , Lanzino, Giuseppe , Mabray, Marc C. , Smith, Kelsey M.

Neurosurgery | May 21, 2025 | Volume: 98 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 3-22

10.1227/neu.0000000000003459 | PMID 40396744 Get It

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite many publications about cavernous malformations (CMs), controversy remains regarding diagnostic and management strategies. To update evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of brain and spinal cord CMs. METHODS: The Alliance to Cure CMs, the patient support group in the United States advocating on behalf of patients and research in CM, convened a multidisciplinary writing group comprising expert CM clinicians to help summarize the existing literature related to the clinical care of CM, focusing on 5 topics: (1) epidemiology and natural history, (2) genetic testing and counseling, (3) diagnostic criteria and imaging standards, (4) neurosurgical considerations, and (5) neurological considerations. Building on prior evidence-based recommendations reflecting literature review through October 2014, the group conducted a systematic review of the more recent literature, identified references for mandatory citation, rated evidence, developed recommendations, and established consensus according to a prespecified protocol. Finally, the writing group outlined remaining knowledge gaps and controversies to guide future research. RESULTS: From 2672 publications published between October 1, 2014, and March 15, 2023, and meeting key word criteria, 234 were selected based on prearticulated criteria for mandatory consideration in evidence-based recommendations. Topic authors used these and other supporting references to summarize current knowledge and arrive at 53 management recommendations, with unanimous consensus based on a Delphi process. These were rated by class (strength of recommendation) and level (quality of evidence) per the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association criteria. Eighteen recommendations were class 1 (34%), class 2 in 31 (58%), and class 3 in 4 (8%). Three were level A (6%), 19 (36%) were level B, and 31 (58%) were level C. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports prior and new recommendations for the management of CMs, but many reflect moderate classes and low levels, mandating further research to better inform clinical practice.
Cold snare endoscopic resection for large colon polyps: a randomised trial
Pohl, Heiko , Rex, Douglas K. , Barber, Jeremy, Moyer, Matthew T. , Elmunzer, B. Joseph , Rastogi, Amit , Gordon, Stuart R. , Zolotarevsky, Eugene, Levenick, John M. , Aslanian, Harry R., Elatrache, Mazen, Renteln, Daniel von , Brahmbhatt, Bhaumik , Keswani, Rajesh N. , Kumta, Nikhil A. , Smith, Zachary L. , Ghanimeh, Mouhanna K. Abu, Simmer, Stephen, MacKenzie, Todd A. , Piraka, Cyrus , von Renteln, Daniel , Smith, Zachary L , Piraka, Cyrus , Wallace, Michael B. , Pleskow, Douglas K. , Sanaei, Omid

Gut | May 20, 2025 | Volume: 74 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1804-1813

10.1136/gutjnl-2025-335075 | PMID 40393701 Get It

Background Complications of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large colorectal polyps remain a concern. Objective We aimed to compare safety and efficacy of cold EMR (without electrocautery) to hot EMR (with electrocautery) of large colorectal polyps. Design In this multicentre randomised trial, patients with any large (≥20 mm) non-pedunculated colon polyp were assigned to cold or hot EMR (primary intervention), and to submucosal injection with a viscous or non-viscous solution (secondary intervention) following a 2×2 design. The primary outcome was the rate of severe adverse events (SAEs). The secondary outcome was polyp recurrence. In this study, we report results of the primary intervention. Results 660 patients were randomised and analysed. An SAE was observed in 2.1% of patients in the cold EMR group and in 4.3% in the hot EMR group (p=0.10) (per protocol analysis 1.4 vs 5.0%, p=0.017) with fewer perforations following cold EMR (0%) compared with hot EMR (1.6%, p=0.028). Postprocedure bleeding did not differ (1.5% vs 2.2%, p=0.57). The effect of cold resection was independent of the type of submucosal injection solution, polyp size or antithrombotic medications. Recurrence was detected in 27.6% and 13.6% in the cold and hot EMR groups, respectively (p<0.001). Recurrence was not significantly different for 20–29 mm polyps (18.6% vs 13.4%, p=0.24) and for sessile serrated polyps (14.1% vs 8.5%, p=0.33). Conclusion Universal application of cold EMR did not significantly lower SAEs (unless cold EMR could be completed) and doubled the recurrence rate compared with hot EMR. Trial registration details ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT03865537 .
0831 Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Sodium Oxybate in Participants with Narcolepsy: Results from the DUET Study
Schneider, Logan , Ruoff, Chad , Nichols, Deborah A. , Steininger, Teresa L. , Fuller, Douglas S. , Akerman, Sarah , Alexander, Jessica, Whalen, Marisa, Cairns, Alyssa , Ruoff, Chad M , Plante, David T. , Kirby, M

SLEEP | May 19, 2025 | Volume: 48 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A360-A360

10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0831 Get It

Abstract Introduction Jazz DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment) is a phase 4, prospective, multicenter, single-arm, multiple-cohort, open-label study (NCT05875974) assessing the effectiveness of low-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav®) treatment on daytime and nighttime symptoms in participants with narcolepsy (type 1 [NT1] or 2 [NT2]) or idiopathic hypersomnia. Data presented are from the narcolepsy cohort. Methods DUET included a screening period (with 2-week washout for current oxybate users), 8-day baseline (BL) period, 2- to 8-week LXB titration period, 2-week stable-dose period, 8-day end-of treatment (EOT) period, and 2-week safety follow-up. The primary endpoint was change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score from BL to EOT. Key secondary endpoints for the narcolepsy cohort included change in polysomnography parameters: total shifts from deeper to lighter sleep stages, stage N3 sleep duration (minutes), and number of awakenings. Additional endpoints included Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIc)–overall narcolepsy disease. Primary and key secondary endpoints were controlled for multiplicity with sequential testing; other P-values are considered nominal. Results Fifty-five narcolepsy participants enrolled and were dosed with LXB (NT1, n=26; NT2, n=29); 13 transferred to another cohort and 34 were completers (NT1, n=16; NT2, n=18). Enrolled participants were mostly female (72.7%) and White (80.0%); mean (SD) age was 33.4 (12.9) years (NT1=34.6 [12.6]; NT2=32.4 [13.2]). For completers, least-squares mean (LSM) (SE) changes in ESS score were −7.7 (0.9), P&lt;.0001, overall; NT1=−6.5 (1.4), P&lt;.0001; NT2=−8.8 (1.3), P&lt;.0001. Compared with BL, sleep architecture at EOT showed fewer deeper to lighter sleep stage shifts (LSM [SE]: −13.1 [2.9], P&lt;.0001, overall; NT1=−13.9 [4.3], P=0.0029; NT2=−12.3 [4.1], P=0.0050); increased stage N3 sleep (minutes) (45.0 [8.8], P&lt;.0001, overall; NT1=49.8 [13.0], P=0.0006; NT2=40.8 [12.3], P=0.0023); and fewer awakenings (−3.2 [0.9], P=0.0015, overall; NT1=−4.1 [1.4], P=0.0056; NT2=−2.3 [1.3], P=0.0771). Most participants (93.3%, n=30; NT1, 86.7%, n=15; NT2, 100%, n=15) reported improvement (very much, much, minimally) in overall narcolepsy disease on PGIc. Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of LXB. Conclusion Participants with NT1 and NT2 taking open-label LXB showed improvements in daytime sleepiness (decreased ESS scores) and reduced symptom burden (improved PGIc), which paralleled improvements in sleep architecture and disruption. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals
0851 Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Sodium Oxybate in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Participants: Results from the DUET Study
Cairns, Alyssa , Schneider, Logan , Nichols, Deborah A. , Steininger, Teresa L. , Kirby, Melanie, Akerman, Sarah , Alexander, Jessica, Whalen, Marisa, Ruoff, Chad , Ruoff, Chad M , Plante, David T. , Fuller, Douglas, Kirby, M

SLEEP | May 19, 2025 | Volume: 48 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A369-A369

10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0851 Get It

Abstract Introduction Introduction: Jazz DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment) is a phase 4, prospective, multicenter, single-arm, multiple-cohort, open-label study (NCT05875974) evaluating the effectiveness of low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®) treatment on daytime and nighttime symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and polysomnography in participants with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) or narcolepsy. Data presented are from the IH cohort. Methods DUET included screening (with 2-week washout for oxybate users), 8-day baseline (BL), 2- to 8-week LXB titration, 2-week stable-dose, 8-day end-of-treatment (EOT), and 2-week safety follow-up periods. The primary endpoint was change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score from BL to EOT. Secondary endpoints for the IH cohort included change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) total score, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIc)−overall IH disease, PGIc−sleep inertia, and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIs)−sleep inertia. Exploratory endpoints included IHSS component scores (daytime functioning, sleep inertia). Primary and key secondary (IHSS total score) endpoints were controlled for multiplicity with sequential testing; all other P-values are considered nominal. Results Forty-six people with IH enrolled and were dosed with LXB; 40 were completers. Enrolled participants were mostly female (80.4%) and White (84.8%), with a mean (SD) age of 38.1 (11.8) years. For completers, BL mean (SD) ESS score and IHSS total score were 16.5 (2.7) and 32.9 (7.1), respectively; least-squares mean (LSM) (SE) changes from BL to EOT were −8.4 (0.7), P&lt;.0001 and −15.5 (1.5), P&lt;.0001. BL mean (SD) IHSS component scores for daytime functioning and sleep inertia were 17.7 (4.2) and 10.7 (3.1), respectively; LSM (SE) changes from BL to EOT were −8.8 (1.0), P&lt;.0001 and −4.8 (0.4), P&lt;.0001. At EOT, most participants reported improvement (very much, much, minimally) on PGIc−overall IH disease (94.6%) and PGIc−sleep inertia (81.1%). At BL, 25.0% of participants reported sleep inertia severity as very mild/mild/not present on PGIs–sleep inertia vs 59.0% at EOT. Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of LXB. Conclusion People with IH taking open-label LXB showed improvements in EDS and sleep inertia (decreased ESS and IHSS component scores) and reported reduced multi-symptom burden (decreased IHSS total scores and improved PGIc/PGIs ratings). Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals
0860 Subjective Sleep Quality with Low-Sodium Oxybate Treatment in Narcolepsy: Results from the DUET Study
Mignot, Emmanuel, Ruoff, Chad , Nichols, Deborah A. , Steininger, Teresa L. , Kirby, Mary, Whalen, Marisa, Schneider, Logan , Ruoff, Chad M , Sangal, R. Bart , Fuller, Douglas

SLEEP | May 19, 2025 | Volume: 48 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A373-A373

10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0860 Get It

Abstract Introduction Jazz DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment) is a phase 4, prospective, multicenter, single-arm, multiple-cohort, open-label study (NCT05875974) evaluating the effectiveness of low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®) treatment on outcomes including sleep quality (using polysomnography [PSG] and self-reported questionnaires) in participants with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. Data reported here are from the narcolepsy cohort. Methods DUET included a screening period (with 2-week washout for current oxybate users), an 8-day baseline (BL) period, a 2- to 8-week LXB titration period, a 2-week stable-dose period (SDP), an 8-day end-of-treatment (EOT) period, and a 2-week safety follow-up. Participants underwent nocturnal PSG (ad libitum protocol) at BL and EOT. The Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) was administered 90 minutes post-awakening from PSG to measure situational sleepiness (9-point scale; 1=“extremely alert” to 9=“extremely sleepy, can’t keep awake”). Participants completed an electronic sleep diary (eDiary) daily during the BL and EOT periods, including questions regarding nightly sleep patterns, total sleep time (TST), sleep quality (5-point scale; “very good” to “very poor”), and how rested/refreshed the participant felt upon awakening (5-point scale; “very well” to “not at all”). Completion of ≥5 eDiary days during the 8-day assessment before PSG visits was required for analysis. eDiary and KSS data were analyzed in the completer set (enrolled participants who were dosed with LXB and completed SDP and PSG at EOT). Results Fifty-five participants with narcolepsy (type 1, n=26; type 2, n=29) enrolled (completer set, n=34). Most were female (40/55; 73%) and White (44/55; 80%); mean (SD) age was 33.4 (12.9) years. Mean (SD) self-reported nocturnal TST at BL (n=32) and EOT (n=20) was 8.1 (1.6) and 8.3 (0.9) hours, respectively. The percent of participants rating their sleep quality as “very good”/“good” increased from 15.6% (BL) to 70.0% (EOT). The percent of participants with rested sleep (“very well”/“well”/“somewhat” rested) increased from 46.9% (BL) to 90.0% (EOT). Likewise, mean (SD) rating of self-reported sleepiness decreased from 5.1 (2.0) at BL to 3.8 (1.9) at EOT. Conclusion Following open-label LXB treatment, participants with narcolepsy reported improvements in sleep quality and feeling more rested and less sleepy upon awakening. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals
0862 Sleep Architecture with Low-Sodium Oxybate Treatment in Narcolepsy: Results from the DUET Study
Ruoff, Chad , Schneider, Logan , Nichols, Deborah A. , Steininger, Teresa L. , Fuller, Douglas S. , Kirby, Matthew , Alexander, Jessica, Mignot, Emmanuel , Ruoff, Chad M , Sangal, R. Bart , Kirby, M

SLEEP | May 19, 2025 | Volume: 48 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A374-A374

10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0862 Get It

Abstract Introduction Jazz DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment) is a phase 4, prospective, multicenter, single-arm, multiple-cohort, open-label study (NCT05875974) evaluating effectiveness of low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®) treatment on outcomes including polysomnography (PSG)-based sleep architecture in participants with idiopathic hypersomnia or narcolepsy (type 1 [NT1] or 2 [NT2]). Methods DUET included a screening period (2-week washout for current oxybate users), 8-day baseline (BL) period, 2- to 8-week LXB titration period, 2-week stable-dose period (SDP), 8-day end-of-treatment period (EOT), and 2-week safety follow-up. Participants underwent nocturnal PSG (ad libitum protocol) at BL and EOT. PSGs were scheduled to allow a minimum of 10 hours in bed, unless the participant naturally awakened earlier; bedtime was determined by habitual bedtime. PSG recordings were centrally scored. Data were analyzed for participants in the narcolepsy cohort completer set. Total shifts from deeper to lighter sleep stages was defined as N1/N2/N3/REM to wake and N2/N3/REM to N1. Key secondary endpoints (total stage shifts, N3 duration) were controlled for multiplicity with sequential testing; other P-values are considered nominal. Results Fifty-five participants with narcolepsy enrolled (NT1, n=26; NT2, n=29); 34 completed the study (NT1, n=16; NT2, n=18). Most were female (73%) and White (80%) (mean±SD age, 33.4±12.9 years). Mean±SD total sleep time (TST) at BL/EOT was 453.2±80.1/452.4±70.0 minutes (LSM change [95% CI]: –0.78 [–23.7, 22.1]; P=.9451). Mean±SD number of total shifts from deeper to lighter sleep stages at BL/EOT was 54.6±28.0/41.6±25.6 (LSM [95% CI]: –13.1 [–19.0, –7.1]; P&lt;.0001 [controlled for multiplicity]). Mean±SD time spent in N1 at BL/EOT was 45.3±28.4/37.2±25.2 minutes (LSM [95% CI]: –8.1 [–14.9, –1.4]; P=.0196), % of stage was 10.4%/8.2% (P=.0037); in N2 was 241.8±61.2/243.3±76.1 minutes (LSM [95% CI]: 1.5 [–23.6, 26.6]; P=.9040), 53.1%/53.2% (P=.9869); in N3 was 61.1±34.8/106.1±69.5 minutes (LSM [95% CI]: 45.0 [27.0, 63.0]; P&lt;.0001 [controlled for multiplicity]), 13.7%/24.0% (P&lt;.0001); and in REM was 105.0±42.7/65.8±33.1 minutes (LSM [95% CI]: –39.2 [–50.8, –27.5]; P&lt;.0001), 22.8%/14.7% (P&lt;.0001). Conclusion Participants with narcolepsy taking open-label LXB showed negligible change in TST and N2, increased N3, decreased N1 and REM, and fewer shifts from deeper to lighter stages of sleep. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Rationale for the Development of a Universal Hearing Metric for Public Consumption: Initiative 1 of the Hearing Health Collaborative
Reed, Nicholas S. , Assi, Sahar , Carlson, Matthew L. , Cosetti, Maura K. , Gubbels, Samuel P., Holcomb, Meredith A. , Jilla, Anna Marie , Lin, Frank R., Marinelli, John P. , Myers, Clarice, Sladen, Douglas P. , Spankovich, Christopher , Sydlowski, Sarah, Nassiri, Ashley M. , Nassiri, Ashley M , Bush, Matthew L. , Creel, Liza M , Gurgel, Richard Klaus , Lin, Frank R. , Yueh, Bevan

Otology & Neurotology | May 13, 2025 | Volume: 46 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 743-747

10.1097/mao.0000000000004523 | PMID 40360253 Get It

Objective Present the rationale for the development of a new, patient-facing vital sign for adult hearing. Study Design Structured A3 process. Setting Fourteen virtual meetings and two in-person meetings held between May 2021 and June 2022. Main Outcome Measure(s) Identification and refinement of a countermeasure to develop and imbed a hearing health vital sign for adult hearing. Results Through a rigorous, structured A3 process, the Hearing Health Collaborative identified and refined the rationale for and the qualities associated with a public-facing vital sign for adult hearing loss. Specifically, such a vital sign must embody five qualities: simple, accessible, stable, inclusive, and meaningful. These qualities together would ensure that a hearing health vital sign would be useful not only as a screening tool but also as an instrument to guide next steps in workup and potentially treatment. Conclusions Successful identification and implementation of a hearing metric or “vital sign” for the presence of adult hearing loss, using precedent convention of other medical diseases, may help reframe public perceptions surrounding hearing loss, improve awareness and literacy regarding the presence of the disease, and prompt action to seek diagnostic assessment.
A Phase II Multicenter Trial of Trabectedin in Combination with Olaparib in Patients with Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Sarcoma
Siontis, Brittany L. , Rice, John D. , Schuetze, Scott M. , Rottmann, Douglas , Angeles, Christina V. , Fox, Amanda K. , Zyczynski, Laurie E. , Hayek, Salim S. , Robinson, Steven I. , Okuno, Scott H. , Ho, Thanh P. , Hayek, Salim , Chugh, Rashmi , Siontis, Brittany L , Robinson, Steven I , Chugh, Rashmi

Clinical Cancer Research | May 13, 2025 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 14 | Pages: 2919-2925

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-25-0298 | PMID 40358615 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare malignancies with poor prognosis and limited systemic treatment options. We conducted a phase II study to assess the efficacy and safety of trabectedin and olaparib in patients with advanced disease. Patients and Methods: Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma who received ≥1 prior therapy were recruited into two cohorts. Cohort 1 included leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma; cohort 2 included other histologies. All patients received trabectedin (1.1 mg/m2 24-hour infusion every 21 days) and olaparib (150 mg twice daily continuously). The study was conducted using a Simon minimax two-stage design with a primary endpoint of objective response (OR) rate per RECIST 1.1. Results: Twenty-nine (cohort 1, 16; cohort 2, 13) patients enrolled; one patient in cohort 2 was not evaluable. There were no confirmed ORs in cohort 1; the best response was stable disease in 12 (75%) patients and progressive disease in four (25%). Two partial responses were observed in cohort 2 (n = 12). The most common adverse events were fatigue (75%), neutropenia (75%), anemia (68%), and thrombocytopenia (68%). The median progression-free survival and overall survival for all patients were 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.3–8.2) and 13.2 months (95% confidence interval, 10.3–20.9), respectively. Next-generation sequencing of 17 tumors revealed multiple abnormalities, most commonly in TP53, RB1, and ATRX. Conclusions: Trabectedin plus olaparib conferred high rates of toxicity and failed to demonstrate ORs in leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma. Preliminary evidence of clinical benefit in two patients in cohort 2 suggests potential value of either or both drugs in other sarcomas.
Deciphering C/EBPα'S Role in Fate Plasticity in Murine and Patient Tissue Derived AT2 Cells
Cai, Jiyang , Sawhney, Amitoj Singh , Deskin, B. , Gibbard, D., Ali, Gibran , Lemire, E., Haber, Adam L. , Wei, Zihao , Bungum, Aaron O., Schrandt, Amy, Cai, Jiyang , Olson, A., Warren, R., Langhe, Stijn De , Inde, Zintis , Sarosiek, Kristopher A. , Brownfield, Douglas

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 11, 2025 | Volume: 211 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A7930-A7930

10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a7930 Get It

Abstract RATIONALE: Alveolar Type 2 (AT2) cells play a critical role in maintaining alveolar function and facilitating repair processes in the lung. Despite recent advancement on transcriptomic mapping of cell identities and AT fate selection, the mechanisms governing AT2 fate plasticity remain elusive. Notably, in AT2-derived pulmonary diseases such as COPD and IPF, disruptions in AT2 differentiation are observed, suggesting alterations may exist in the regulation of fate plasticity. Therefore, a refined model describing the regulation of AT2 fate plasticity is needed, along with an assessment of the model's conservation across murine and human AT2s. METHODS: We performed scRNA-sequencing, ATAC-seq, and bioinformatic analysis on samples across murine lung development and validating findings by immunostaining of embryonic lungs. We conducted organotypic cultures as well as genetically engineered mouse model experiments to assess changes in AT2 fate plasticity in. Further, we established a Mayo Clinic patient lung cell biorepository from patient tissue derived AT2s. In parallel, we performed long read scRNA-sequencing for isoform discovery, organotypic culture and immunostaining in human AT2 organoids, to characterize the presence of similar regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS: Throughout the late embryonic and early perinatal period, we found a window of fate plasticity exists in AT2s whereby they retain the capacity to give rise to AT1s, and that its being closed over time by the bZIP transcription factor C/EBPα, as its genetic deletion in AT2s results in regaining fate plasticity. By ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq, we found C/EBPα binds closely to the Dlk1 locus, a Notch signaling regulator implicated in AT2-to-AT1 conversion that is upregulated following Cebpa deletion. Following adult lung injury, we found C/EBPα downregulation is required for re-accessing AT2 fate plasticity and is likely mediated by the dominant negative C/EBP family member CHOP. Finally, we observe Cebpa loss also activates a “defender” AT2 state enriched in interferon stimulated antipathogenic gene expression that is distinct from its reparative state and propose AT2s can toggle between these states following infection to robustly protect and repair alveoli.Further, we validated the presence of C/EBPα and absence of Dlk1 in human AT2s isolated from healthy adult patients, which persists following in vitro expansion. We conclude that AT2 cells window of fate plasticity is dictated by a molecular circuit involving C/EBPα suppressing and Dlk1. Future works aim to remove C/EBPα in human AT2s to reopen their fate plasticity for cell therapy.
Membrane Tension Gates AT2 Fate Selection by Regulating FGF Signaling
Ali, Gibran , Gibbard, D., Ghelfi, Elisa , Cai, Jie , Taengwa, G., Maccoux, E., Han, Yu Long , Guo, Margaret G. , Brownfield, Douglas

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 11, 2025 | Volume: 211 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A7912-A7912

10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a7912 Get It

Abstract RATIONALE: The alveolar epithelium is primarily comprised of two cell types – the flat alveolar type I (AT1) cell responsible for gas exchange, and the cuboidal AT2 cell responsible for surfactant secretion, alveolar defense and acts as facultative stem cells in injury repair. Both cell types emerge from a population of bipotent distal progenitors (DPs). While the FGF signaling involved in directing AT2 fate has been identified, the mechanism by which AT2 differentiation is precisely timed is not well understood. In embryonic stem cells, it has been demonstrated that differentiation is regulated by a biophysical parameter, cell membrane tension (CMT), that acts upstream of FGF signaling by suppressing receptor endocytosis. Given this, we sought to investigate whether and how CMT plays a role in timing the alveolar epithelial differentiation, particularly focusing on how CMT might regulate FGF signaling. METHODS: DPs were isolated from E15.5 mice and plated on top of or embedded in Matrigel. DPs were treated with small molecules, to rise CMT (CHIR22901 and Methyl Beta cyclodextrin; MBCD), inhibiting either endocytosis (Dynasore) or pathways downstream of FGF signaling (FR180204, Akt VIII, KRpep-2d, NSC 74859). CMT is measured both with optical trap technology and FlipTR dye, which uses fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Tissues and cells were immunostained and imaged using markers for AT1 and AT2 cells, Fgfr2, and the endocytosis marker EEA1. The transgenic mice for this project are in a C57B6 strain background and include a pan-lung epithelial Cre (TgNkx2.1-Cre) bred to Cre-dependent ERK reporter (Rosa26SAE). RESULTS: We found that CMT reduces immediately prior to alveolar differentiation, and that increasing CMT with CHIR and MBCD blocks differentiation of DPs in culture. As CMT reduces, we observe an increase in endocytosis and internalization of Fgfr2 in both cultured cells and in vivo at E17.5. Further, scRNAseq analysis showed an upregulation of ERK target genes and we have validated higher ERK activity in nAT2s in the reporter line. Further, we validated that CMT regulates FGF signaling, as decrease in CMT results in more Fgfr2 endocytosis that likely activates ERK and Akt signaling. Our small molecule inhibition data suggests that ERK and Akt signaling are required for AT2 fate selection and we propose that they are the downstream targets of FGF signaling that are activated following lowered CMT and increased Fgfr2 endocytosis. Our findings are of fundamental importance for understanding how cell mechanics regulates biochemical signaling and fate selection during lung development.