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Cell-intrinsic differences between human tracheal epithelial cells from children and adults [cultured basal cells]

ABSTRACT: The airway epithelium is a key protective barrier whose integrity is preserved by the self-renewal and differentiation of basal progenitor cells. Epithelial cells are central to the pathogenesis of multiple chronic lung diseases for which age is a principle risk factor. Children are also less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suffer less severe symptoms than adults and have a lower rate of mortality. Few studies have addressed differences between airway epithelial cells in children and adults. Here, we perform bulk RNA sequencing studies in laser-captured whole epithelium, FACS-sorted basal cells and cultured basal cells, as well as in vitro cell proliferation experiments, to address the intrinsic molecular differences between paediatric and adult airway basal cells. We find that, while the cellular composition of the paediatric and adult tracheal epithelium is broadly similar, in cell culture, paediatric airway epithelial cells displayed higher colony forming ability, better in vitro growth and outcompeted adult cells in competitive proliferation assays. Although recurring differences between airway epithelial gene expression were seen between samples from children and adults, RNA sequencing showed broad conservation of transcriptional programmes. Genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were not differentially expressed between children and adults, although individuals showed some variability in their expression of viral infection-associated genes. Our results chart important cell intrinsic differences in transcriptional profile and regenerative capacity between tracheal epithelial cells of children and adults.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE148817 | GEO | 2020/04/20

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background. The human airway epithelium consists of 4 major cell types: ciliated, secretory, columnar and basal cells. During natural turnover and in response to injury, the airway basal cells function as stem / progenitor cells for the other airway cell types. The objective of this study is to better understand basal cell biology by defining the subset of expressed genes that characterize the signature of human airway epithelial basal cells. Methodology / Principal Findings. Microarrays were used to assess the transcriptome of basal cells purified from the airway epithelium of healthy nonsmokers obtained by bronchial brushings in comparison to the transcriptome of the complete differentiated airway epithelium. This analysis identified the “human airway basal cell signature” as 1,161 unique genes with >5-fold higher expression level in basal cells compared to the differentiated epithelium. The basal cell signature was suppressed when the basal cells differentiated into a ciliated airway epithelium in vitro. The human airway basal cell signature displayed extensive overlap with genes expressed in basal cells from other human tissues and murine airway basal cells. Consistent with self-modulation as well as signaling to other airway cell types, the airway basal cell signature was characterized by genes encoding extracellular matrix components, and growth factors and growth factor receptors, including genes related to EGFR and VEGFR signaling. However, while human airway basal cells share similarity with basal-like cells of other organs, the human airway basal cell signature has features not previously associated with this cell type, including a unique pattern of genes encoding extracellular matrix components, integrins, G protein-coupled receptors, neuroactive ligands and receptors, and ion channels. Conclusion / Significance. The human airway epithelial basal cells signature identified in the present study provides novel insights into the ontogeny, molecular phenotype and biology of the stem / progenitor cells of the human airway epithelium. This study was designed to distinguish the transcriptome of the airway epithelium basal cell from that of differentiated airway epithelium. A basal cell signature was derived and analyzed for functional significance. The signature was also evaluated as basal cells differentiated into ciliated epithelium in vitro.

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Cell-intrinsic differences between human tracheal epithelial cells from children and adults [cultured basal cells]

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