Yonsei Med J.  2023 Jun;64(6):375-383. 10.3349/ymj.2022.0503.

Impact of the Junction Adhesion MoleculeA on Asthma

• An MH
• Lee PH
• Choi SM
• Hwang D
• Kim JH
• Park MC
• Park S
• Baek AR
• Jang AS

• KMID: 2542608
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2022.0503

Abstract

Purpose
Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A is an immunoglobulin-like molecule that colocalizes with tight junctions (TJs) in the endothelium and epithelium. It is also found in blood leukocytes and platelets. The biological significance of JAM-A in asthma, as well as its clinical potential as a therapeutic target, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of JAM-A in a mouse model of asthma, and to determine blood levels of JAM-A in asthmatic patients.
Materials and Methods
Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline were used to investigate the role of JAM-A in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In addition, JAM-A levels were measured in the plasma of asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The relationships between JAM-A and clinical variables in patients with asthma were also examined.
Results
Plasma JAM-A levels were higher in asthma patients (n=19) than in healthy controls (n=12). In asthma patients, the JAM-A levels correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%), FEV₁/forced vital capacity (FVC), and the blood lymphocyte proportion. JAM-A, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK protein expressions in lung tissue were significantly higher in OVA/OVA mice than in control mice. In human bronchial epithelial cells treated with house dust mite extracts for 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h, the JAMA, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK expressions were increased, as shown by Western blotting, while the transepithelial electrical resistance was reduced.
Conclusion
These results suggest that JAM-A is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, and may be a marker for asthma.

Keyword

JAM-A; bronchial asthma; cell barrier; airway hyperresponsiveness; inflammation