Keratin 15 protects against cigarette smoke-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation by MMP-9

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory lung disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prolonged cigarette smoking (CS) that causes irreversible airway remodeling and significantly reduces lung function is a major risk factor for COPD. Keratin15(+) (Krt15(+)) cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation properties have been implicated in the maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of airway basal cells; however, the role of Krt15 in COPD is not clear. METHODS: Krt15 knockout (Krt15(−/−)) and wild-type (WT) mice of C57BL/6 background were exposed to CS for six months to establish COPD models. Krt15-CrePGR;Rosa26-LSL-tdTomato mice were used to trace the fate of the Krt15(+) cells. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson stainings were performed to assess histopathology and fibrosis, respectively. Furthermore, lentivirus-delivered short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knock down KRT15 in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The protein expression was assessed using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Krt15(−/−) CS mice developed severe inflammatory cell infiltration, airway remodeling, and emphysema. Moreover, Krt15 knockout aggravated CS-induced secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which was reversed by SB-3CT, an MMP-9 inhibitor. Consistent with this finding, KRT15 knockdown promoted MMP-9 expression and EMT progression in vitro. Furthermore, Krt15(+) cells gradually increased in the bronchial epithelial cells and were transformed into alveolar type II (AT2) cells. CONCLUSION: Krt15 regulates the EMT process by promoting MMP-9 expression and protects the lung tissue from CS-induced injury, inflammatory infiltration, and apoptosis. Furthermore, Krt15(+) cells transformed into AT2 cells to protect alveoli. These results suggest Krt15 as a potential therapeutic target for COPD. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-023-02598-w.