# Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in airway smooth muscle

> **NIH NIH R01** · ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE · 2020 · $405,000

## Abstract

Airway smooth muscle cell proliferation plays an important role in the
pathogenesis of airway smooth muscle layer thickening, cardinal features of asthma that
affects nearly 250 million people worldwide. In addition, bronchial biopsy of patients with
severe asthma suggests that airway smooth muscle migration contributes to smooth
muscle thickening in the airways. The mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle cell
proliferation and migration are not fully elucidated. Abi1 (Abl interactor 1) is an adapter
protein that has a role in actin cytoskeletal remodeling in nonmuscle cells and smooth
muscle contraction. Nevertheless, the role and mechanisms of Abi1 in smooth muscle
cell proliferation and migration have not been previously investigated. Pilot studies have
shown that Abi1 knockdown attenuates DNA synthesis and cell numbers enhanced by
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), suggesting an important role of Abi1 in regulating
airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. In Aim 1, the role of Abi1 in regulating the Jak2
and STAT3 phosphorylation, and other pathways will be evaluated in cells upon
stimulation with growth factors. In Aim 2, the role of Abi1 in airway smooth muscle
migration and its effectors will be evaluated. In Aim 3, the role of Abi1 in allergen-
induced airway smooth muscle thickening will be evaluated by using conditional Abi1
knockout mice. Moreover, the potential role of Abi1-associated pathways in human
asthma will be determined. Completion of these studies should advance our knowledge
regarding functional role and mechanism of the adapter protein Abi1 in smooth muscle
cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and asthma pathogenesis in vivo. Obtaining this
knowledge will facilitate the development of new therapy to treat asthma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9894825
- **Project number:** 5R01HL110951-07
- **Recipient organization:** ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Dale D. Tang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $405,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-12-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9894825

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9894825, Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in airway smooth muscle (5R01HL110951-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9894825. Licensed CC0.

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