Genome-wide analysis reveals mucociliary remodeling of the airway epithelium induced by PM2.5. Genome-wide analysis reveals mucociliary remodeling of the airway epithelium induced by PM2.5

Air pollution particulate matter 100 genes), which included transcriptional drivers of mucus metaplasia (SPDEF, FOXA3). Exposure to a higher OE dose modified the expression of 1,240 genes and further exacerbated expression responses observed at the moderate dose, including the mucus secretory program. Moreover, the higher OE dose significantly increased the MUC5AC/MUC5B gel-forming mucin expression ratio and strongly downregulated ciliated cell expression programs, including key ciliating cell transcription factors (FOXJ1, MCIDAS). Our results suggest organic chemicals in PM2.5 likely drive cellular remodeling of the airway epithelium, punctuated by mucus metaplasia and loss of ciliated cells. This epithelial remodeling may underlie poor respiratory outcomes associated with high PM2.5 exposure. Overall design: Three separates doses (Low, Moderate, High) of PM2.5 with their control. Additionally, there are 4 NIST samples and 4 water extract controls. In total, there are 42 samples