The MUC5B promoter variant results in proteomic changes in the non-fibrotic lung

The gain-of-function MUC5B promoter varaint is the dominant risk for IPF development. Herein, we performed laser capture microdissection coupled mass spectrometry to isolate the characteristic histopathological lesions of IPF, the normal-appearing alveoli/small airways, and epithelium overlying fibroblastic foci. The captured samples were subject to mass spectrometry.