Single cell and population transcriptomics reveal epithelial remodeling in type 2-high asthma
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The type 2 cytokine-high asthma endotype (T2H) is characterized by IL-13-driven mucus obstruction of the airways. To investigate this poorly understood pathobiology, we characterized IL-13 effects on human airway epithelial cultures using single cell RNA-sequencing, finding that IL-13 generated a novel transcriptional state for each cell type. Specifically, we discovered a mucus secretory program induced by IL-13 in all cell types which converted both mucus and defense secretory cells into a metaplastic state with emergent mucin production and secretion, while leading to ER stress and cell death in ciliated cells. The IL-13-remodeled epithelium secreted a pathologic, mucin-imbalanced, and innate immunity-depleted proteome that arrested mucociliary motion. Signatures of IL-13-induced cellular remodeling were mirrored by transcriptional signatures characteristic of the nasal airway epithelium within T2H versus T2-low asthmatic children. Our results reveal the epithelium-wide scope of T2H asthma and present novel therapeutic targets for restoring normal epithelial function.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE145013 | GEO | 2020/07/13
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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