In vivo impact of tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) knockout to the airway inflammatory response

Microtubule dysfunction has been implicated as a mediator of inflammation in multiple diseases such as disorders of the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) facilitates microtubule elongation and regulates tubulin acetylation through inhibition of cytosolic deacetylase enzymes. Pathologic alterations in microtubule structure and dynamics have been described in cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated with inflammation, however the causality and mechanism remain unclear. Likewise, Tppp has been identified as a potential modifier of CF airway disease severity. Here we directly assess the impact of microtubule dysfunction on infection and inflammation by interrogating wild type and a Tppp knockout mouse model (Tppp − / −). Mice are challenged with a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-laden agarose beads and assessed for bacterial clearance and inflammatory markers. Tppp − / − mouse model demonstrate impaired bacterial clearance and an elevated inflammatory response compared to control mice. These data are consistent with the hypothesis microtubule dysregulation is sufficient to lead to CF-like airway responses in mice.