Double knockout of Bach1 and Bach2 reveals shared compensatory mechanisms in regulating alveolar macrophage function and lung surfactant homeostasis [ChIP-Seq]

ABSTRACT: Background: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease showing excess accumulation of surfactant protein in the alveolar spaces. It chiefly results from a dysfunction of alveolar macrophages (AMs) due to a lack of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling including the expression of PU.1. We previously reported that mice deficient for Bach2 developed PAP-like disease due to a defect of lipid handling by AMs. Recently, Bach1 and Bach2 have been reported to function redundantly in early B cell development. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of Bach1 and Bach2 in alveolar macrophage and lung homeostasis. Methods: We generated mice lacking both Bach1 and Bach2 (Bach1/2 DKO mice) and investigated their body weight and survival rate. Whole lungs of mice were observed with Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain when they were 8 or 12-13 weeks old. The expression of surface markers and the numbers of alveolar macrophages and eosinophils in BAL were analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS). We also analyzed tissue macrophages in bone marrow and spleen by FACS. We administered N-acetyl cysteine to mice from prenatal stage and observed lung pathology at 12 weeks. Result: Bach1/2 DKO mice showed a more rapid and severe PAP phenotype than Bach2-deficient mice (Bach2 KO mice), whereas Bach1-deficient mice (Bach1 KO mice) did not develop any pulmonary disease. AMs in Bach1/2 DKO mice showed a foamy appearance, suggesting a defect in lipid handling. In contrast, the numbers of bone marrow macrophages and red pulp macrophages were not affected in Bach1/2 DKO mice. The PAP-like disease in Bach1/2 DKO and Bach2 KO mice was not ameliorated by N-acetyl cysteine. Conclusion: We suggest that Bach1 and Bach2 work in a complementary manner for the normal function of AMs and the maintenance of surfactant homeostasis in the lungs. Oxidative stress may be involved in the process of PAP by inactivating Bach1 and Bach2.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE79138 | GEO | 2018/11/05

REPOSITORIES: GEO