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1410 citation(s) found for "Ha, Christina".

Safety and efficacy results of the phase 2 study of silevertinib (BDTX-1535) in treatment-naïve patients with non-small cell lung cancer with non-classical EGFR mutations.
Rotow, Julia K., Baik, Christina S., Dimou, Anastasios, Feng, Jamie, Gordon, Sarah , Chen, Haobin , Desai, Aakash, Niu, Jiaxin, Benyounes, Amin, Sankar, Kamya, Spira, A.I., Stevenson, James, Patel, Shetal , Halmos, Balazs, Shu, Catherine A., Le, Xiuning, Baik, Christina S. , Dimou, Anastasios , Nguyen, Danny , Niu, Jiaxin , Johnson, Melissa L. , Sankar, K. Nathan , Scott, Susan Combs , Stevenson, James, Halmos, Balazs , Shu, Catherine A. , Yu, Helena Alexandra , Le, Xiuning

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 8519-8519

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.8519 Get It

8519 Background: Non-classical mutations (NCM) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represent a broad group of oncogenic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often associated with resistance to osimertinib (e.g., P-loop and αC-helix compressing [PACC] mutations). Patients (pts) with NCM have inferior clinical outcomes with a high incidence of CNS metastases (CNSm). Silevertinib (BDTX-1535) is a fourth-generation, covalent EGFR TKI with high CNS penetrance targeting both EGFR classical mutations and NCM. The antitumor activity and safety of silevertinib in pts with advanced NSCLC were evaluated in a Phase 2 trial (NCT05256290). Methods: Pts with advanced EGFR NCM NSCLC who received no prior systemic therapy were enrolled (Cohort 3) based on a local molecular test. Silevertinib 200 mg was administered orally once daily. The primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) was assessed using RECIST v1.1. CNS ORR was assessed using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology for Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) in pts with no prior CNS therapy. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety. Results: From February 2024 to July 2025, 43 pts with 35 unique NCMs (including 25 pts with PACC mutations) were enrolled in Cohort 3: median age 70.0 years, 72% female, 74% white, and 42% never smoked cigarettes. As of November 3, 2025, median follow-up was 7.2 months. ORR by RECIST v1.1 is shown in the table. Sixteen pts (37%) had CNSm, including 7 pts (16%) with measurable CNS disease. RANO-BM CNS response was 86% (n=6/7). Complete clearance of EGFR VAF ctDNA was observed in 21/26 (81%) evaluable pts. Serious treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 5 pts (12%), and 4 pts (9%) discontinued treatment due to TRAEs. The most common TRAEs included rash (19%, grade 3), diarrhea (19%, grade 3), stomatitis (9%, grade 3), and paronychia (5%, grade 3). While 77% of pts had a dose reduction, 19/22 (86%) patients with a radiographic response maintained or deepened their response after dose reduction, including all patients with CNS response. Conclusions: Silevertinib demonstrated robust antitumor activity in treatment-naïve pts with a broad spectrum of NCM EGFR driver mutations with high intracranial activity in pts with brain metastases. The safety profile was consistent with the known AEs of the EGFR TKI class. Clinical trial information: NCT05256290 . Data as of November 3, 2025 N ORR n (%) 95% CI DCR n (%) 95% CI ITT Population * 43 26 (60) (44.4, 75.0) 39 (91) (77.9, 97.4) PACC mutations 25 14 (56) (34.9, 75.6) 22 (88) (68.8, 97.5) Compound mutations † 16 11 (69) (41.3, 89.0) 15 (94) (69.8, 99.8) *No pts with classical (E746_A750del or L858R) mutations were enrolled. † Presence of ≥ 2 NCMs. As of December 27, 2025, the 6-month PFS rate was 86% overall and 80% in pts with CNSm; available PFS and DOR data will be presented.
Neoadjuvant DAN-222 plus niraparib in high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer: Results from the I-SPY 2 adaptive platform trial.
Isaacs, C, Howard-Mcnatt, Marissa, Yau, C, Chien, Jo, Wallace, Anne M., Han, Hyo S., Yee, D, Omene, Coral, Nanda, Rita, Chapple, Andrew, Perlmutter, J, Pohlmann, Paula R., Borowsky, Alexander D., Symmans, W. Fraser, Veer, Laura van't, Esserman, L J, Pohlmann, Paula R. , Pohlmann, Paula , Yeung, Kay T. , Isaacs, Claudine , Howard-McNatt, Marissa Michelle , Yau, Christina , Boughey, Judy C. , Han, Hyo S , Borges, Virginia F. , Falkson, Carla I. , Yee, Douglas , Omene, Coral , Nanda, Rita , Symmans, W. Fraser

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 625-625

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.625 Get It

625 Background: I-SPY 2 is a multicenter phase II adaptive platform trial evaluating novel agents for stage II-III high-risk breast cancer using response-predictive subtypes (RPS) and a sequential neoadjuvant treatment design of up to three blocks (A/B/C). Investigational regimens are given in Block A, followed by response-guided escalation to standard-of-care (SOC) therapy (tx) in subsequent blocks or early surgery for responders. Topoisomerase I (TOPO1) inhibition plus PARP inhibition may enhance DNA damage and tumor response. DAN-222 is a tumor-targeted polymeric camptothecin conjugate designed to improve the therapeutic index of TOPO1 inhibition. Based on favorable phase 1 safety and preliminary activity in metastatic breast cancer, DAN-222 plus niraparib was evaluated as Block A tx in HER2− disease. Notably, the neoadjuvant regimen used a higher dose of niraparib (200 mg daily) than the prior phase 1 metastatic study. Methods: Patients (pts) with HER2− breast cancer were randomized to DAN-222 plus niraparib for up to 12 weeks in Block A. Response was assessed by serial MRI and biopsy. Inadequate responders escalated early to SOC tx in Blocks B/C. Primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints included residual cancer burden, safety, early discontinuation, and treatment-strategy performance versus subtype-specific SOC tx controls. Given established PARPi sensitivity in BRCA mut disease, the key objective was to assess clinically meaningful activity of DAN-222 plus niraparib in BRCA wt pts. Accordingly, a prespecified Bayesian interim futility analysis focused on BRCA wt and tested the probability of the true pCR rate after Block A alone exceeded 15% after 50 pts. Results: Fifty pts enrolled from Sep to Dec 2024. In BRCA wt (n=47), estimated Block A pCR was 3%, with posterior probability of 0.02 that that true pCR exceeded 15%, meeting futility criteria and prompting arm closure. Across all blocks, pCR rate was 57% (8/14) for HR-HER2−; 11% (4/36) for HR+ HER2−, largely after SOC tx. 2/3 BRCA mut pts achieved pCR. Treatment strategies initiating with DAN-222 plus niraparib underperformed subtype-specific controls. 68% discontinued Block A early, mainly due to toxicity. Grade ≥3 cytopenias were common: neutropenia (n=25; 50%), anemia (24%), and thrombocytopenia (18%). Cystitis occurred in 36% (1 grade ≥3). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant DAN-222 plus niraparib showed insufficient activity and no treatment-strategy benefit in BRCA wt HER2− breast cancer, underscoring challenges for TOPO1–PARP inhibitor combinations. Although not supported for further development in this setting, these results highlight the strength of I-SPY 2 in rapidly enrolling patients and quickly distinguishing ineffective from promising therapeutic strategies to accelerate progress toward improved outcomes for patients with curable breast cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT01042379 .
Efficacy and safety of pralsetinib in advanced or metastatic RET -altered thyroid cancer (TC): Final analysis of the phase 1/2 ARROW study.
Subbiah, Vivek, Mansfield, Aaron Scott, Taylor, Matthew H. , Schuler, M. , Hadoux, Julien , Curigliano, G, Wirth, Lori J. , Alonso, Guzman, Adkins, Douglas, Lopes, Gilberto, Ahn, Myung-Ju, Lin, Chia-Chi, Brose, Marcia S. , Garralda, Elena, Baik, Christina S. , Sheppard, Aaron, Wang, Sophia , Gainor, Justin F., Hadoux, Julien , Subbiah, Vivek , Curigliano, Giuseppe , Adkins, Douglas, Ahn, Myung‐Ju , Garralda, Elena , Bowles, Daniel W. , Gainor, Justin F.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 6028-6028

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.6028 Get It

6028 Background: RET alterations are targetable oncogenic drivers in multiple solid tumors and TCs. Pralsetinib is an oral, potent, selective RET inhibitor granted accelerated approval by the FDA for adults and children aged ≥12 y with advanced/metastatic RET fusion-positive TC who require systemic therapy and are radioactive iodine-refractory, based on ARROW trial (NCT03037385) results. Accelerated approval for medullary TC (MTC) was withdrawn by the sponsor in 2023 due to recruitment challenges in the confirmatory trial. We report final efficacy and safety in ARROW patients with RET -altered TC and MTC. Methods: Phase 2 ARROW patients were enrolled from 84 sites in 13 countries. Primary end points were overall response rate (ORR; per RECIST v1.1) and safety. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety were assessed in patients with advanced/metastatic TC and MTC who received ≥1 dose of pralsetinib (Efficacy Population [EP]). ORR and duration of response (DOR) were assessed in the Measurable Disease Population (MDP). Results: At the May 20, 2024, data lock, 28 patients with RET -altered TC and prior systemic treatment and 145 patients with RET -altered MTC received pralsetinib 400 mg/d (median treatment duration: 24.7 mo [TC]; and 35.4 mo [MTC]). In the TC and MTC groups, median age was 58 and 57 y; 39% and 64% were male; median (range) prior lines of treatment was 2 (1, 9) and 1 (1, 6). 53.8% of MTC patients had prior systemic treatment. In TC and MTC patients, ORRs (95% CI) were 91.7% (73.0, 99.0) and 68.2% (59.5, 76.0) (Table). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 27 (96%) TC and 142 (98%) MTC patients; 68% and 67% had grade ≥3. TRAEs in ≥35% of TC and MTC patients were increased AST (50% and 38%) and ALT (43% and 30%), decreased white blood cell count (39% and 30%), and anemia (39% each). Death due to a TRAE occurred in 1 TC patient (liver injury) and 1 MTC patient (pneumonia). Safety was consistent with prior reports. Conclusions: The final analysis of ARROW confirms that pralsetinib yields clinically meaningful and durable responses in patients with RET -altered TC and MTC with a manageable safety profile consistent with prior reports. Clinical trial information: NCT03037385 . Efficacy summary. All MTC MTCPrior Cabozantinib/Vandetanib MTC Treatment-Naïve TCPrior Systemic Treatment MDP, n 132 60 62 24 ORR, % (95% CI) 68.2(59.5, 76.0) 56.7(43.2, 69.4) 79.0(66.8, 88.3) 91.7(73.0, 99.0) Complete response, n (%) 12 (9.1) 2 (3.3) 7 (11.3) 4 (16.7) Partial response, n (%) 78 (59.1) 32 (53.3) 42 (67.7) 18 (75.0) DOR, median, mo (95% CI) 39.6(29.4, NE) 21.7(15.1, 34.8) NR(36.8, NE) NR(16.0, NE) DOR follow-up, median, mo (95% CI) 45.7(41.0, 48.4) 48.9(36.9, 58.7) 45.1(40.4, 47.8) 35.4(26.9, 40.0) EP, n 145 67 67 28 OS, median, mo (95% CI) NR(54.6, NE) 42.2(31.2, NE) NR(NE, NE) NR(25.4, NE) PFS, median, mo (95% CI) 37.2(27.5, 55.5) 24.9(19.9, 35.0) 55.3(36.8, NE) NR(14.7, NE) NE, not evaluable; NR, not reached.
Change in relative cerebral blood volume as a biomarker for early response to bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: ECOG-ACRIN EAF151.
Boxerman, Jerrold L., Mrugala, Maciej, Connelly, Jennifer , Zhu, Jay-Jiguang, Elinzano, Heinrich, Sweeney, Adam P. , Hu, Leland, TSIEN, CHRISTINA, Bittig, Seth, Schiff, David, Kleinberg, Lawrence, Barboriak, Daniel, Boxerman, Jerrold L. , Snyder, Bradley S. , Schmainda, Kathleen M , Elinzano, Heinrich, Barani, Igor J. , Kaufmann, Timothy J. , Schiff, David , Barboriak, Daniel P.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 2016-2016

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.2016 Get It

2016 Background: Bevacizumab therapy (Bev) for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) has not demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) in randomized clinical trials. However, single-center and preliminary multi-center studies suggest that relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) measured with dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) at baseline or shortly after treatment initiation may predict response to Bev. The primary aim of ECOG-ACRIN EAF151 was to evaluate whether early binary change in rCBV, assessed 2–3 weeks after initiation of Bev-containing therapy, identifies patients with an OS benefit of ≥4 mos. Pre-specified secondary aims assessed baseline rCBV; post-hoc exploratory analyses examined early post-Rx rCBV. Methods: A prospective, phase II multi-center trial without randomization enrolled subjects with rGBM receiving their first Bev-containing therapy. Progression was determined by local sites (RANO criteria; MRI within 28 days of registration, ≥42 days since end of chemoradiation). Baseline (S0) and follow-up (S1) DSC-MRI were performed before the first Bev infusion (within 3 days), and 12-25 days post-infusion but before the second infusion. Anatomic MRI and DSC-MRI (double-dose Gadavist injection, full-dose preload) complied with recommended protocols. Mean normalized (nRCBV) and standardized (sRCBV) rCBV were extracted from contrast-enhancing tumor ROIs. A 2-sided logrank test (α=0.1) was used to test the primary aim (change in mean nRCBV from S0 to S1, ≥0 vs. <0). Cox regression with restricted cubic splines was used to assess the association between continuous rCBV markers and OS. Results: 146 subjects were accrued from 33 sites. 134 completed S0 and 118 completed both S0 and S1. After exclusion of uninterpretable scans, 107 were evaluable for change in rCBV, and 124 for baseline rCBV. There was no statistically significant difference in OS between subjects with binary increase (n=40; median OS 8.0 mos [90% CI 5.5–9.2]) vs. decrease (n=67; 7.9 mos [90% CI 6.3–10.3]) in mean nRCBV (p=0.67). Based on the spline fits, we observed a strong nonlinear association between OS and continuous nRCBV and sRCBV at both S0 and S1: low marker values are associated with lower risk, but beyond a threshold, higher values are not associated with greater risk. As an exploratory analysis, we estimated optimal cut points (nRCBV: S0=1.11, S1=1.16; sRCBV: S0=1.13, S1=0.99) and found that subjects whose S1 rCBV decreased below threshold had a median OS 2.7 mos (nRCBV, HR 0.61 [90% CI 0.41–0.88]) and 5.2 mos (sRCBV, HR 0.43 [90% CI 0.28–0.63]) longer than subjects whose rCBV either increased or did not decrease below threshold. Conclusions: EAF151 prospectively evaluated whether DSC-MRI markers predict OS in patients with rGBM treated with Bev. Although the change in these markers was not predictive, both baseline and early post-Rx markers were predictive of OS. Clinical trial information: NCT03115333 .
Early Experience With Beta-Lactam Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in an Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Program
Barrett, Kemar O. , Rivera, Christina G. , Saleh, O. Abu, Pertzborn, Margaret , Ausman, Sara , Hannan, Kellie Arensman, Stevens, Ryan W. , Barreto, E, Hannan, Kellie N. Arensman , Abu Saleh, Omar , Ausman, Sara E , Arensman Hannan, Kellie , Stevens, Ryan W , Rivera, Christina G , Barrett, Kemar O , AbuSaleh, Omar, Rule, Andrew D. , Frazee, Erin N.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | May 22, 2026 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofag299 | PMID 42221364 Get It

Abstract We describe early experience with beta-lactam therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in a high-volume outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program. In selected patients, TDM informed dose optimization and toxicity mitigation. Illustrative cases highlight feasibility and emerging lessons supporting beta-lactam TDM in outpatient care.
Loss of miRNA-153 promotes EndMT and compromises lung vascular integrity
Elmadbouh, Ibrahim , Zhong, Zhunran, Wang, Li, Chikoore, Stembile, Endoni, Benney, Sah, Aaditya, Thompson, M, Hoeppner, Luke H. , Prakash, Y. S. , Yuan, J, Pabelick, C M, Thompson, Michael A. , Yuan, Jason X.‐J. , Thompson, Michael A , Prakash, Y S , Yuan, Jason X-J , Pabelick, Christina M , Babicheva, Aleksandra , Endoni, Benney T. , Sah, Aaditya, Pabelick, Christina M. , Babicheva, Aleksandra

American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology | May 22, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrcmb/aanag108 | PMID 42184280 Get It

Abstract Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process through which lung vascular endothelial cells (ECs) transdifferentiate into mesenchymal-like cells. EndMT has recently been implicated in the development and progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, its underlying regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of EC gene expression and cellular responses to various stimuli. Notably, microRNA-153 (miR-153) has been shown to directly target SNAI1 to modulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process closely related to EndMT and extensively studied in cancer. Whether miR-153 also participates in EndMT regulation, however, remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that 72-hour hypoxic exposure induces SNAI1-mediated EndMT in human lung vascular ECs. Hypoxia also increased cell proliferation and disrupted intercellular junctions, leading to enhanced endothelial permeability. Reduced miR-153 expression was observed in both hypoxia- and TGF-β1-induced EndMT, as well as in ECs isolated from PH patients exhibiting an EndMT phenotype. Similar to hypoxia, TGF-β1 promoted EC permeability. Loss of miR-153 enhanced SNAI1-mediated EndMT, endothelial survival, and permeability under normoxic conditions, whereas miR-153 overexpression attenuated EndMT induced by hypoxia or TGF-β1. However, miR-153 restoration did not completely restore endothelial barrier integrity disrupted by these stimuli. In vitro findings were validated in experimental PH model. In conclusion, miR-153 serves as a critical regulator of EndMT, maintaining endothelial identity and barrier function. Therapeutic delivery of miR-153 may therefore represent a novel strategy to inhibit EndMT and attenuate pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH.
C99-04 Effects of Stretch on Piezo Channels and Wnt/Beta Catenin Pathway in Developing Airways
Hamrick, S K, Thompson, M, Ortiz, Y, Pfeffer-Kleemann, D, Ngassie, M Koloko, Pabelick, C M, Prakash, Y, Hamrick, Samantha K. , Pfeffer-Kleemann, Daniel , Ngassie, Maunick Lefin Koloko , Pabelick, Christina M.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5453 Get It

Abstract Rationale Premature birth necessitates interventions such as supplemental O2 (hyperoxia, typically &lt;60% O2) with or without respiratory support primarily using nasal CPAP. The static stretch of CPAP can induce sustained airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway thickening (remodeling) even after CPAP is stopped - effects that contribute to a wheezing phenotype and predispose to asthma, major sources of respiratory morbidity in former “preemies.” Effects of CPAP can impact airway smooth muscle (ASM), a key cell type in asthma. We sought to find out if mechanosensitive Piezo (PZ) channels in developing ASM contribute to CPAP-induced AHR and remodeling. In other cell systems, PZ affects the Wnt/β-catenin (β-cat) pathway, but there is currently little information on how stretch influences this pathway and its downstream role in developing ASM. Our overall hypothesis is that in developing airways, PZ channels and downstream Wnt/β-cat pathway are linked in the context of stretch effects, leading to AHR and remodeling. Methods Fetal ASM (fASM) cells were isolated from lungs of 18-20-week fetuses (Mayo IRB exempt). Neonatal mice (comparable to late gestation humans) were also used; lung tissue was harvested following IACUC protocols. Western blot (WB), qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence imaging (IF), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition assay, proliferation assay, and precision cut lung slice (PCLS) imaging were performed. Stretch conditions used were “non-stretch” (0% static strain imposed on 5% cyclic strain representing normal breathing) or “stretch” (5-10% static strain imposed on 5% cyclic strain, representing superimposed CPAP). Compounds used were Yoda1 (PZ1 agonist), GsMTx4 (PZ inhibitor), DKK1 (Wnt pathway inhibitor), and Wnt3a ligand. Results PZ1 and PZ2 are expressed in fASM and stretch increased expression of both, shown by qRT-PCR and WB. In neonatal mice exposed to CPAP, lumen area of PCLS were decreased compared to control; GsMTx4 alleviated this effect. Stretch increased ECM in fASM, however the effect was blunted by GsMTx4. Stretch increased mRNA for canonical Wnt pathway elements and decreased negative regulatory elements. Stretch increased GSK3β protein phosphorylation and β-cat protein nuclear translocation; effects blunted by DKK1. Wnt3a ligand increased proliferation and ECM in fASM. Stretch increased Wnt3a mRNA and β-cat protein nuclear translocation, with effects blunted by GsMTx4. Stretch alone or in combination with Wnt3a ligand, as well as Yoda1 alone, increased nuclear β-cat, shown qualitatively by IF. Conclusions Our study showed that Wnt/β-cat may be a novel, important, and conceivably targetable pathway (e.g. with PZ modulators) in alleviating potentially long-term, detrimental airway responses to CPAP. This abstract is funded by: NIH R01 HL056470 (Prakash), R01 HL177837 (Pabelick)
A106-09 Senescence in Down Syndrome Lung: Early and Rising
Belgacemi, R, Alam, I El, Hoarau, A P, Shinde, R, Rehan, A, Chung, E, Jendzjowsky, N, Ian, G, Deutsch, G H, Pabelick, C M, Prakash, Y, Danopoulos, S, Alam, D Al, Belgacemi, Randa , El-Alam, Imad, Hoarau, Antony, Rehan, Anika , Chung, Ella, Jendzjowsky, Nicholas Gregory , Pabelick, Christina M. , Danopoulos, Soula , Alam, D. Al

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5365 Get It

Abstract Rationale Respiratory disease is a major cause of mortality in Down syndrome (DS; trisomy 21, T21). DS is considered a progeroid syndrome, with elevated cellular senescence (SEN) and oxidative stress. Because SEN shapes organogenesis, its dysregulation may impair lung morphogenesis. We previously found SEN/SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype) abnormalities in prenatal human T21 lungs. Here, we test whether these alterations persist and change after birth. Methods We analyzed human lung single-nuclear RNA (snRNA-seq) datasets (prenatal and postnatal) to quantify epithelial and mesenchymal SEN/SASP signatures. Sex- and age-matched T21 and non-T21 prenatal and postnatal lungs were studied; fibroblasts were isolated as prenatal human lung fibroblasts (HFLF) and postnatal human lung fibroblasts (HLF). SEN/SASP were measured by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence (IF) in tissue and HFLF/HLF. HFLF/HLF were assayed for SA-β-gal, oxidative stress (CellROX/MitoSOX), and Ca²+ dynamics (Fura-2 AM). 48h treatments with tunicamycin (1µM, SEN inducer), 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA, 2 mM, ER Stress inhibitor), or pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ, 20 μM, antioxidant) were performed on T21 and non-T21 HFLF/HLF. Conditioned media (CM) were collected after 48h from untreated cultures and then applied to cells of the opposite genotype for 24, 48, and 72h. Results Overall SEN profile was similar in epithelium and mesenchyme across ages, but pathway signatures differed. Epithelium shows an inflammatory SASP, while mesenchyme shows a less-inflammatory, remodeling/growth-factor SASP. These lineage patterns were more evident postnatally. Whole-tissue IF showed increased γ-H2AX and p21 in T21 vs non-T21 both prenatally and postnatally (p &lt; 0.05). At baseline, T21 HFLF/HLF had higher CDKN1A, CDKN2A, TP53, CDKN2B, and SERPINE1 (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5-6), with increased γ-H2AX/p21 IF (p &lt; 0.01; n = 6), SA-β-gal (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5-6), and ER/mitochondrial stress (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5-6). Fura-2 AM showed greater Ca²+ release in T21 HFLF/HLF at baseline and after acetylcholine (10 μM, p &lt; 0.01; n = 5). Mitochondrial-morphology genes (FIS1, DNM1L, MFN1) were elevated in T21 HFLF/HLF (p &lt; 0.05; n = 6). In T21 HFLF, 4-PBA and PQQ each reduced SA-β-gal (p &lt; 0.01; n = 6). In postnatal HLF, PQQ had the stronger effect (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5). T21 CM induced progressively greater SEN/SASP over 24/48/72h in non-T21 cells (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5-6), while non-T21 CM partially rescued T21-HLF phenotypes at 24h only (p &lt; 0.05; n = 5-6). Conclusion These data indicate that lung senescence in T21 initiates in utero and intensifies after birth and reflects lineage-specific pathways. ER-stress-related mechanisms are more prominent prenatally, while mitochondrial/redox mechanisms are predominant postnatally. This evidence suggests age and lineage-dependent drivers of senescence that may help explain DS lung disease and highlight potential new mechanistic targets. This abstract is funded by: NIH/NHLBI
A76-12 Hyperoxia Disrupts Antioxidant and Iron Homeostasis in Developing Human Airway Smooth Muscle
Ortiz, Y, Ngassie, M Koloko, Bartman, C M, Pabelick, C M, Prakash, Y, Ngassie, Maunick Lefin Koloko , Bartman, Colleen M. , Pabelick, Christina M.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5357 Get It

Abstract Rationale Premature infants exposed to supplemental oxygen are at increased risk of developing airway diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and asthma, making it important to understand how oxygen detrimentally impacts developing airways. Even in moderation, hyperoxia promotes bronchial airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) through effects on fetal airway smooth muscle (fASM), a cell type involved in impaired bronchodilation and remodeling. Iron dysregulation has been implicated in adult airway diseases such as asthma, COPD, and hyperoxic lung injury (HLI). Immature antioxidant systems in neonates and their increased susceptibility to iron-induced oxidative stress may lead to ferroptosis, contributing to pathologies observed in subsequent airway disease. The role of impaired iron metabolism, mediated by hyperoxia, remains largely unexplored in fetal airways. This study investigated the effects of increasing oxygen levels on antioxidant systems, iron metabolism, and lipid peroxidation in human fASM. Methods fASM from 18-20 week gestational age (canalicular stage; Mayo IRB exempt) were isolated and exposed to normoxia (21% O2) or increasing levels of hyperoxia (50%, 70%, and 90% O2) and treated with iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO) [100uM] or reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger ferrostatin (Fer-1) [10uM] for 48h. Levels of intracellular iron (Fe2+) were determined using ferroOrange. Cell lysates were examined for protein expression of antioxidant markers (GPX4, SLC7A11, CBS, NRF2, KEAP1, and FSP1) and iron metabolism markers (TfR1, FTH1, and NCOA4). 4-HNE (lipid radical) expression was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Results Hyperoxia decreased SLC7A11, CBS, NRF2, KEAP1 (redox regulators), and iron storage (FTH1) at all concentrations. Iron influx (TfR1) increased under 50% and 70% O2 but not 90% O2. Cytosolic iron levels increased under hyperoxia in a dose-dependent manner and decreased with iron chelator, DFO. DFO further decreased FTH1 expression under 90% O2. 4-HNE (lipid radical) increased under 90% O2 and was reduced by ROS scavenger, Fer-1. Conclusion Our findings suggest that hyperoxia simultaneously impairs antioxidant systems and iron metabolism in fASM. Specifically, hyperoxia dose-dependently increases the labile iron pool which exhausts anti-ferroptotic mechanisms: effects which can be reduced by DFO and Fer-1. This implies the presence of a redox threshold tightly regulating iron accumulation in fASM. Overall, antioxidant impairment and iron metabolism dysfunction synergistically can contribute to pediatric airway disease: mechanisms which allow for the development of targetable strategies to blunt the impact of supplemental oxygen in the premature lung. This abstract is funded by: National Institutes of Health
A76-07 Piezo Channel-mediated Regulation of Calcium Signaling and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Aging Asthmatic Human Airway Smooth Muscle
Borkar, N A, Pfeffer-Kleemann, D, Bartman, C M, Thompson, M, Pabelick, C M, Prakash, Y, Borkar, Niyati A. , Pfeffer-Kleemann, Daniel , Bartman, Colleen M. , Pabelick, Christina M.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5355 Get It

Abstract Rationale Asthma in the elderly (AIE) is characterized by hyperreactive and thickened, fibrotic airways (remodeling) that are not adequately addressed by current therapies. Thus, understanding mechanisms that drive AIE becomes important. Here, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells play important roles in normal airway physiology and asthma pathophysiology. Recent discoveries have highlighted the significance of mechanosensitive Piezo (Pz)-Piezo1 and Piezo2 in the lung. While Pz channels are highly expressed, their specific contributions to ASM function remains largely unexplored. Moreover, Pz channels play essential roles in regulating the intracellular calcium homeostasis, which further drives mitochondrial dynamics. Whether Pz signaling influences mitochondrial structure and function-a key determinant of ASM energetics and contractility is unknown and therefore of significant interest. In the present study, we hypothesize that Pz1 channel activation regulates mitochondrial structure and function via an increase in intracellular calcium in ASM, leading to metabolic changes and remodeling, characteristic of AIE. Methods Primary human ASM cells were isolated from lungs of young (&lt;45y) and AIE (≥65y) individuals obtained post-surgery (Mayo Clinic IRB approved). Cells were exposed to mechanical stretch (mimicking breathing) in the presence of either Yoda1/Jedi2 (agonist) or GsMTx4 (inhibitor) for 24 hrs. Mitochondrial fractionation was performed, and protein expression evaluated for mitochondrial dynamics targets (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1, DRP1 and FIS1) and transcriptional markers (mt-Cox1, mt-Cox2, ATP5b and TFAM). The colocalization of mitochondria and Pz channels was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Mitochondrial morphology was examined with MitoTracker staining while function was assessed using Seahorse XF analysis. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and mitochondrial calcium ([Ca2+]m) were measured using 5µM Fura-2/AM and 1µM Rhod-2 AM respectively with fluorescence microscopy. Results Confocal microscopy revealed that Piezo1 localizes to mitochondria in ASM. Pz1 activation promoted mitochondrial fission, evidenced by an upregulation of DRP1/FIS1 and downregulation of MFN1/OPA1, confirming a fission-dominant phenotype. Pz1 activation also increased mitochondrial branching while reducing branch length, indicating enhanced fragmentation, particularly in AIE ASM. Yoda1 treatment reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, suggesting a lower energy demand. Furthermore, Yoda1 increased both [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]m responses to histamine (10µM), with a more pronounced effect in AIE ASM. Conclusion Overall, our findings suggest that mechanotransduction through Pz channels, particularly Pz1 regulates intracellular calcium regulation and mitochondrial structure and function in ASM, linking extracellular mechanical forces to intracellular energy homeostasis. This mechanism may contribute to the altered energetics and remodeling observed in AIE airway pathophysiology. This abstract is funded by: 24POST1241979 (NAB), R01- HL056470 (YSP), R01-HL177837 (CMP)