Differentiation and functionality of human bronchial epithelial cells in an air-liquid interface culture are modified by irradiation exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the effects of α-particle and X-ray irradiation on a human bronchial epithelium model, representing environmentally and medically relevant exposure. Our focus was on non-cancer outcomes, namely mucociliary transport (MCT) and epithelial barrier function, both of which are crucial for cancer risk assessment and therapeutic efficacy.

Materials and methods

Basal stem cells were irradiated and terminally differentiated under air-liquid interface conditions into all epithelial cell types. Clonogenic survival assays were used to determine iso-effective doses. MCT was assessed by video tracking of fluorescent bead transport. Cell differentiation was characterized by qPCR for basal, ciliated, goblet, and club cell markers, and mucus compos

SUBMITTER: Roder K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832454 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature