The Role of WNT5a and TGF ‐β1 in Airway Remodelling and Severe Asthma

BACKGROUND: in asthmatic airway biopsies and in sputum and bronchial brushings assessed their role in remodelling. METHODS: on BEAS-2B epithelial cell wound healing and differentiation were assessed in vitro. Replication was performed in the Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes (U-BIOPRED) study in sputum (n = 120) and bronchial brushes (n = 147). RESULTS: , as well as induction of EMT-like morphology. WNT5a mRNA was associated with severe asthma, airflow limitation, sputum eosinophilia and Th2, and Th17 and neutrophil activation transcriptomes in sputum in U-BIOPRED. CONCLUSION: WNT5a is associated with both airway remodelling and severe asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01982162.