Gene signature from lung tissue of e-cigarette users

ABSTRACT: Background: E-cigarette popularity is on the rise in youth and young adults, with mounting concerns regarding the long-term safety of these devices. Cell culture and animal models have highlighted the damaging potential of e-cigarettes, but to date there is a lack of data from human lung tissue to corroborate these findings. Methods: Using human lung tissue obtained during a bullectomy in young adults, we performed RNA-sequencing to uncover e-cigarette related changes to the human lung transcriptome. Information on e-cigarette use habits was collected via questionnaire. Findings: Individuals reporting daily e-cigarette use had a reduction in the abundance of mRNA for genes related to extracellular matrix formation and organization, but were enriched mRNA related to cilia function and formation. Genes associated with COPD pathophysiology, including MUC5B and TIMP1, were also affected by e-cigarette use. Interpretation: This first study to perform RNA-sequencing in human lung tissue from relatively young daily e-cigarette users identifies a gene signature that is consistent with an increased risk for future chronic lung disease. Importantly, many of these changes were present in individuals who don’t use traditional cigarettes, suggesting e-cigarette use alone can drive the molecular alterations we identified.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE236864 | GEO | 2024/02/29

REPOSITORIES: GEO