Expression data from human bronchial epithelial cells (treatment with IL-4). Homo sapiens

Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is a feature of respiratory diseases characterized by mucus hypersecretion. GCH is driven by Th2 cytokines such as IL-4. To investigate the gene expression changes associated with GCH, we treated human bronchial epithelial cells with IL-4. By microarray analysis and functional studies, we found that IL-4 promotes a profound change that results in enhanced bicarbonate secretion. This change may be required to support mucus release. Overall design: Human bronchial epithelial cells were differentiated as epithelial monolayers on porous membranes (Snapwell inserts). After treatment with IL-4, gene expression changes were determined with microarrays. In parallel, ion transport, mucus release, intracellular pH, and apical fluid composition were measured.