? Our observations from experiments involving low-dose cadmium-exposure of epithelial cells suggest that ANO1 is a direct target for miR-381 , which is downregulated upon low-dose cadmium exposure ,? Antony said . ? Thus , cigarette-induced cadmium-toxicity may alter cellular homeostasis mechanisms at very low concentrations , and cadmium-exposure in a person with an existing pulmonary condition can have an additive or adverse effect with increased susceptibility toward infections and environmental allergens .
? This interaction of cadmium , microRNA-381 and ANO1 suggests that microRNAs may act as potential therapeutic targets to be explored further in cadmium-exposure and subsequent lung injury .?
At UAB , Antony holds the Endowed Professorship in Environmental Medicine , directs the Superfund Research Center , and is a member of the Division of Pulmonary , Allergy and Critical Care Medicine .
Co-authors with Antony in the study , ? Low dose cadmium exposure regulates miR ? 381 ? ANO1 interaction in airway epithelial cells ,?
UAB MedCast : Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia ( PCD ) is a rare genetic disease that results in severe sinus and pulmonary infections and is particularly difficult to treat ; however , as George Solomon , MD , explains , researchers have recently made important steps in understanding and treating PCD . He explains the critical link they have established between genotype and phenotype of observed PCD cases , which will lead to genetic-based therapies in the future . Equally important , he says , are the strides made in treating symptoms PCD that can help patients right now : UAB is currently conducting clinical trials exploring treatments that help patients clear mucus from their lungs in order to limit damage throughout the body .
George Solomon , M . D Photography : Steve Wood
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PULMONARY , ALLERGY , AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE