Conclusions
Temperature synchronised circadian rhythms in AECs differentiated at an air-liquid interface can serve as a model to investigate circadian rhythms in pulmonary diseases.
Methods
We used temperature cycling to synchronise circadian rhythms in undifferentiated and differentiated primary human AECs. Reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR was used to measure expression of the core circadian clock genes ARNTL, CLOCK, CRY1, CRY2, NR1D1, NR1D2, PER1 and PER2.
Results
Following temperature synchronisation, the core circadian genes ARNTL, CRY1, CRY2, NR1D1, NR1D2, PER1 and PER2 maintained endogenous 24-hour rhythms under constant conditions. Following serum shock, the core circadian genes ARNTL, NR1D1 and NR1D2 demonstrated rhythmic expression. Following temperature synchronisation, CXCL8 demonstrated rhythmic circadian expression. Conclusions: Temperature synchronised circadian rhythms in AECs differentiated at an air-liquid interface can serve as a model to investigate circadian rhythms in pulmonary diseases.