scholarly journals Doses of Quercetin in the Range of Serum Concentrations Exert Delipidating Effects in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes by Acting on Different Stages of Adipogenesis, but Not in Mature Adipocytes

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itziar Eseberri ◽  
Jonatan Miranda ◽  
Arrate Lasa ◽  
Itziar Churruca ◽  
María P. Portillo
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Triacylglycerol Metabolism ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Lpl Gene ◽  
Triacylglycerol Content ◽  
Triacylglycerol Accumulation ◽  
Expression And Activity

Scope. To determine whether doses of quercetin in the range of serum concentrations exert any effect on triacylglycerol accumulation in maturing preadipocytes and mature adipocytes. The influence on the expression of adipogenic markers as well as on gene expression and activity of enzymes involved in triacylglycerol metabolism were assessed.Methods and Results. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated during differentiation and mature adipocytes for 24 hours with low doses (0.1–10 µM) of quercetin. Triacylglycerol content in both cell types and free fatty acid and glycerol in the incubation medium of mature adipocytes were measured spectrophotometrically. Gene and protein expression were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot. LPL and FAS activities were quantified. During differentiation quercetin reduced triacylglycerol content at doses from 0.5 to 10 µM. 1 µM of quercetin reduced C/EBPβgene expression, SREBP1 mature protein levels, and PPARγgene expression. 10 µM of quercetin reduced LPL gene expression and PPARγand SREBP1c expression. In mature adipocytes, only 10 µM of quercetin reduced triacylglycerol content. Lipogenic FAS expression and activity were reduced at this dose.Conclusion. Quercetin, in the range of serum concentrations, is able to inhibit adipogenesis, but higher doses, at least 10 µM, are needed to reduce fat accumulation in mature adipocytes.

scholarly journals ERK5 Phosphorylates Kv4.2 and Inhibits Inactivation of the A-Type Current in PC12 Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yurina Kashino ◽  
Yutaro Obara ◽  
Yosuke Okamoto ◽  
Takeo Saneyoshi ◽  
Yasunori Hayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pc12 Cells ◽  
Sympathetic Neurons ◽  
Membrane Excitability ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Catecholamine Biosynthesis ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) regulates diverse physiological responses such as proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. Previously, we demonstrated that ERK5 is essential for neurite outgrowth and catecholamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells and sympathetic neurons. However, it remains unclear how ERK5 regulates the activity of ion channels, which are important for membrane excitability. Thus, we examined the effect of ERK5 on the ion channel activity in the PC12 cells that overexpress both ERK5 and the constitutively active MEK5 mutant. The gene and protein expression levels of voltage-dependent Ca2+ and K+ channels were determined by RT-qPCR or Western blotting. The A-type K+ current was recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp method. In these ERK5-activated cells, the gene expression levels of voltage-dependent L- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels did not alter, but the N-type Ca2+ channel was slightly reduced. In contrast, those of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3, which are components of the A-type current, were significantly enhanced. Unexpectedly, the protein levels of Kv4.2 were not elevated by ERK5 activation, but the phosphorylation levels were increased by ERK5 activation. By electrophysiological analysis, the inactivation time constant of the A-type current was prolonged by ERK5 activation, without changes in the peak current. Taken together, ERK5 inhibits an inactivation of the A-type current by phosphorylation of Kv4.2, which may contribute to the neuronal differentiation process.

scholarly journals Nitrergic neuromuscular transmission in the mouse internal anal sphincter is accomplished by multiple pathways and postjunctional effector cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (11) ◽  
pp. G1057-G1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Cobine ◽  
A. G. Sotherton ◽  
L. E. Peri ◽  
K. M. Sanders ◽  
S. M. Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Anal Sphincter ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

The effector cells and second messengers participating in nitrergic neuromuscular transmission (NMT) were investigated in the mouse internal anal sphincter (IAS). Protein expression of guanylate cyclase (GCα, GCβ) and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) were examined in cryostat sections with dual-labeling immunohistochemical techniques in PDGFRα+ cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Gene expression levels were determined with quantitative PCR of dispersed cells from Pdgfrα egfp/+, Kit copGFP/+, and smMHC Cre-egfp mice sorted with FACS. The relative gene and protein expression levels of GCα and GCβ were PDGFRα+ cells > ICC ≫ SMC. In contrast, cGKI gene expression sequence was SMC = ICC > PDGFRα+ cells whereas cGKI protein expression sequence was neurons > SMC ≫ ICC = PDGFRα+ cells. The functional role of cGKI was investigated in cGKI −/− mice. Relaxation with 8-bromo (8-Br)-cGMP was greatly reduced in cGKI −/− mice whereas responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were partially reduced and forskolin responses were unchanged. A nitrergic relaxation occurred with nerve stimulation (NS, 5 Hz, 60 s) in cGKI +/+ and cGKI −/− mice although there was a small reduction in the cGKI −/− mouse. Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) abolished responses during the first 20–30 s of NS in both animals. The GC inhibitor ODQ greatly reduced or abolished SNP and nitrergic NS responses in both animals. These data confirm an essential role for GC in NO-induced relaxation in the IAS. However, the expression of GC and cGKI by all three cell types suggests that each may participate in coordinating muscular responses to NO. The persistence of nitrergic NMT in the cGKI −/− mouse suggests the presence of a significant GC-dependent, cGKI-independent pathway.

scholarly journals Effect of continuous compressive force on the expression of RANKL, OPG, and VEGF in MC3T3-E1 and MLO-Y4 cells

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuka Yashima ◽  
Masato Kaku ◽  
Taeko Yamamoto ◽  
Jin Izumino ◽  
Haruka Kagawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Metabolism ◽  
Compressive Force ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Receptor Activator ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

AbstractOsteocytes, known to have mechano-sensory functions, influence the regulation of bone remodeling. However, the mechanism by which osteocytes regulate bone metabolism when mechanical forces are being applied is still unclear. Osteoclastogenesis is mainly regulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL); the protein osteoprotegerin (OPG) and angiogenesis also play important roles in osteogenesis. RANKL, OPG, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are thought to be key factors for bone metabolism. In this study, we examined the effect of a continuous compressive force (CF) on the expression of RANKL, OPG, and VEGF in osteoblastic murine osteocytes (MLO-Y4) and osteoblastic (MC3T3-E1) cells. Gene and protein expression levels of RANKL, OPG, and VEGF in MLO-Y4 and MC3T3-E1 cells were quantitatively determined by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both cell types were also subjected to a CF of 1.0 g/cm2 for 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours. Furthermore, the effect of a stretch-activated (S-A) channel was examined by gadolinium (Gd3+) administration. The ratio of gene and protein expressions of RANKL, VEGF, and RANKL/OPG in MLO-Y4 cells were significantly higher than in MC3T3-E1 cells, while the expression of OPG was significantly lower. After CF application, both cell types showed significant increases in RANKL and VEGF expression as well as the RANKL/OPG ratio. Additionally, the upregulated gene and protein levels of these factors were reduced by Gd3+ administration.These findings suggest that osteocytes play more important roles in bone metabolism and angiogenesis than osteoblasts. Osteocytes regulate the expression of RANKL, OPG, and VEGF via the S-A channel through the response to mechanical stress.

Bromodomain Inhibition By OTX015 Regulates c-MYC and HEXIM1 in a Panel of Human Acute Leukemia Cell Lines

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5957-5957
Author(s):  
Marie-Magdelaine Coudé ◽  
Thorsten Braun ◽  
Jeannig Berrou ◽  
Mélanie Dupont ◽  
Raphael Itzykson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Antileukemic Activity ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

Abstract Background: The bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) activates the transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) which regulates RNA polymerase II. Conversely, hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1) inactivates P-TEFb. BRD4/HEXIM1 interplay influences cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. It has been widely demonstrated that BRD4 knockdown or inhibition by JQ1 is associated with c-MYC downregulation and antileukemic activity. We recently reported that the small molecule BRD2/3/4 inhibitor OTX015 (Oncoethix, Lausanne, Switzerland), currently in clinical development, mimics the effects of JQ1 (Braun et al, ASH 2013). We evaluated the effect of OTX015 on c-MYC, BRD2/3/4, and HEXIM1 in human in vitro leukemic models. Methods: c-MYC, BRD2/3/4 and HEXIM1 expression was assessed in six acute myeloid leukemia (AML; K562, HL-60, NB4, NOMO-1, KG1, OCI-AML3) and two acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL; JURKAT and RS4-11) cell lines after exposure to 500 nM OTX015. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed at different time points (24-72h). A heatmap was computed with R-software. Results: c-MYC RNA levels were ubiquitously downregulated in all AML and ALL cell lines after 24h exposure to OTX015 (Figure 1). c-MYC protein levels decreased to a variable extent at 24-72h in all cell lines evaluated other than KG1. BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in K562 cells (known to be OTX015-resistant) after 48h exposure to OTX015 but was increased in HL60 and NOMO-1 cells, while minimal to no increases were observed in other cell lines. OTX015 induced a decrease in BRD2 protein expression in most cell lines, but not in K562 cells. In contrast, decreased BRD4 protein expression was only seen in the OCI-AML3, NB4 and K562 cell lines. BRD3 protein levels were not modified after OTX015 exposure in all cell lines evaluated other than KG1. HEXIM1 mRNA expression increased after 24h exposure to 500 nM OTX015 in all cell lines except OTX015-resistant K562 cells in which the increase was considered insignificant (less than two-fold). Increases in HEXIM1 protein levels were observed in OCI-AML3, JURKAT and RS4-11 cell lines at 24-72h but not in K562 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, these results show that BRD inhibition by OTX015 modulates HEXIM1 gene and protein expression, in addition to c-MYC decrease and BRD variations. HEXIM1 upregulation seems to be restricted to OTX015-sensitive cell lines and was not significantly affected in OTX015-resistant K562 cells. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of HEXIM1 in antileukemic activity of BRD inhibitors. Figure 1: Heatmap of gene expression after exposure to 500 nM OTX015 for 24 or 48h in AML and ALL cell lines. Repression in blue. Overexpression in red. Figure 1:. Heatmap of gene expression after exposure to 500 nM OTX015 for 24 or 48h in AML and ALL cell lines. Repression in blue. Overexpression in red. Disclosures Riveiro: OTD: Employment. Herait:OncoEthix: Employment. Dombret:OncoEthix: Research Funding.

Increased interleukin-6 receptor expression in the paraventricular nucleus of rats with heart failure

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (3) ◽  
pp. R1165-R1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan G. Helwig ◽  
Timothy I. Musch ◽  
Robin A. Craig ◽  
Michael J. Kenney
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Paraventricular Nucleus ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Coronary Ligation ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Interleukin 6 Receptor ◽  
Enhanced Expression

Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and augmented plasma and tissue levels of IL-6 are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Within the forebrain, cardiovascular homeostasis is mediated in part by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. IL-6, via binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)/glycoprotein 130 (gp130) complex influences cellular and physiological responses. Thus, in the current study, we hypothesized that PVN IL-6R protein and gene expression are upregulated in HF vs. sham-operated rats, whereas gp130 levels in the same tissues remain stable. Six weeks after coronary ligation surgery, hemodynamic measurements were obtained, and HF rats were divided into moderate noncongestive and severe chronic congestive groups based on cardiac indices. Plasma IL-6 levels were determined and changes in gene and protein expression of IL-6R and gp130 between sham-operated and HF rats were determined via real-time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. Plasma levels of IL-6 were elevated in rats with severe, but not moderate, HF compared with sham-operated controls. In both moderate and severe HF rats, protein but not gene expression of IL-6R was significantly increased in PVN tissue but not in non-PVN tissue, compared with sham-operated controls. Gene and protein levels of the gp130 subunit were not altered by HF in either tissue analyzed. Collectively, these data suggest that within the brain of HF rats, IL-6R expression is not a global change. Rather the increased IL-6 levels characteristic of HF may alter PVN-mediated physiological responses via enhanced expression of the IL-6R.

NO regulates LPS-stimulated cyclooxygenase gene expression and activity in pulmonary artery endothelium

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. L450-L457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Xiong Chen ◽  
Leonard C. Berry ◽  
Brian W. Christman ◽  
Miles Tanner ◽  
Paul R. Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
No Donors ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Spermine Nonoate ◽  
Cox 1 ◽  
Expression And Activity

We examined whether nitric oxide (NO) inhibits prostanoid synthesis through actions on cyclooxygenase (COX) gene expression and activity. Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were pretreated for 30 min with the NO donors 1 mM S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or 0.2 μM spermine NONOate; controls included cells pretreated with either 1 mM N-acetyl-d-penicillamine or the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor 1 mM N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester with and without addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.1 μg/ml) for 8 h. COX-1 and COX-2 gene and protein expression were examined by RT-PCR and Western analysis, respectively; prostanoid measurements were made by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and COX activity was studied after a 30-min incubation with 30 μM arachidonic acid. LPS induced COX-2 gene and protein expression and caused an increase in COX activity and an eightfold increase in 6-keto-PGF1αrelease. LPS-stimulated COX-2 gene expression was decreased by ∼50% by the NO donors. In contrast, LPS caused a significant reduction in COX-1 gene expression and treatment with NO donors had little effect. SNAP, SNP, and NONOate significantly suppressed LPS-stimulated COX activity and 6-keto-PGF1α release. Our data indicate that increased generation of NO attenuates LPS-stimulated COX-2 gene expression and activity, whereas inhibition of endogenous NOS has little effect.

scholarly journals Endothelin downregulates SERCA2 gene and protein expression in adult rat ventricular myocytes: regulation by pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi protein and cAMP

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. H728-H734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randa Hilal-Dandan ◽  
Huaping He ◽  
Jody L. Martin ◽  
Laurence L. Brunton ◽  
Wolfgang H. Dillmann
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pertussis Toxin ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Intracellular Camp ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rat Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Gi Protein

Downregulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2) is associated with diastolic dysfunction in the failing heart. Elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET) levels are correlated with congestive heart failure suggesting that ET may play a pathophysiological role. We have investigated the ability of ET to regulate SERCA2 gene expression in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes. We find that ET enhances net protein synthesis by ∼40% but significantly downregulates SERCA2 mRNA expression, time dependently, by ∼30–50%, and the expression of SERCA2 protein by ∼ 50%. In myoyctes, ET binds to ETA receptor that couples to Gq and Gi proteins. Inhibition of Gq-PLC-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis with U73122 (1 μM) or inhibition of Gi protein with pertussis toxin (PTX) abolishes the ability of ET to downregulate SERCA2 mRNA gene expression. Further investigation suggests that ET coupling to PTX-sensitive Gi with consequent lowering of cAMP is required for downregulation of SERCA2 mRNA levels. Increasing intracellular cAMP quantity using cAMP-specific PDE inhibitor Ro20-1724 or cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP reverses ET-induced downregulation of SERCA2 mRNA levels. The data indicate that, in adult myocytes, ET downregulates SERCA2 mRNA and protein levels, and the effect requires cross-talk between Gq and PTX-sensitive Gi pathways.

scholarly journals Role of the transcriptional factors FOXO1 and PPARG on gene expression of SLC2A4 in endometrial tissue from women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Kohan ◽  
Rodrigo Carvajal ◽  
Fernando Gabler ◽  
David Vantman ◽  
Carmen Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Subcellular Location ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

Fifty to seventy percent of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present hyperinsulinemia. On the other hand, reports indicate that forkhead box class O 1 (FOXO1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) are involved in the insulin signaling pathway, regulating the gene expression of SLC2A4 (GLUT4). The negative effect of FOXO1 over PPARG transcription disappears when FOXO1 is phosphorylated (p-FOXO1) and excluded from the nucleus, whereas PPARG can suppress gene expression of SLC2A4. Scarce knowledge is available in endometrium of women with PCOS and hyperinsulinemia (PCOSE h-Ins) about the role of these factors. We aimed to evaluate whether the endocrine and metabolic status of PCOS modify the levels of gene and protein expression of FOXO1, PPARG, and SLC2A4 in the endometria from hyperinsulinemic PCOS women compared with controls. In endometria from control (CE,n=7) or PCOSE h-Ins (n=7), we determined the subcellular location and protein levels of p-FOXO1Ser319 and FOXO1/FOXO4 by immunohistochemistry and western blot respectively; gene and/or protein levels of PPARG and SLC2A4 were evaluated by RT-PCR and/or western blot. Cytoplasm location for FOXO1 and p-FOXO1Ser319 was immunodetected in both groups of endometria, showing significantly higher staining in PCOSE h-Ins for these proteins (P<0.05). In PCOSE h-Ins, gene and protein levels of PPARG were significantly higher than in CE, whereasSLC2A4mRNA was decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the derepression of PPARG transcription by the high levels of p-FOXO1Ser319 could partially account for the lower levels of SLC2A4 found in PCOSE h-Ins, suggesting an alteration of the endometrial function in these patients.

scholarly journals Telomere associated gene expression as well as TERT protein level and telomerase activity are altered in the ovarian follicles of aged mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esra Gozde Kosebent ◽  
Saffet Ozturk
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Telomerase Activity ◽  
Ovarian Follicles ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Aged Mice ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Ovarian Aging

AbstractTelomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes to maintain genomic stability and integrity during an organism’s lifespan. The length of telomeres inevitably shortens due to DNA replication, genotoxic agents, and biological aging. A limited number of cell types, e.g., stem cells, germline cells, and early embryos can elongate shortened telomeres via the enzymatic action of telomerase, which is composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA component (Terc). Additionally, telomere-associated proteins including telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) and 2 (TRF2), as well as protection of telomeres 1a (POT1a), bind to telomeres to maintain their structural integrity and length. During ovarian aging in mammals, telomeres progressively shorten, accompanied by fertility loss; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this attrition during follicle development remains unclear. In this study, the primary, secondary, preantral, and antral follicles were obtained either from 6-week-old adult (n = 19) or 52-week-old aged (n = 12) mice. We revealed that the Tert, Terc, Trf1, Trf2, and Pot1a gene expression (P < 0.001) and TERT protein (P < 0.01) levels significantly decreased in certain ovarian follicles of the aged group when compared to those of the adult group. Also, telomerase activity exhibited remarkable changes in the follicles of both groups. Consequently, altered telomere-associated gene expression and reduced TERT protein levels in the follicles of aged mice may be a determinant of telomere shortening during ovarian aging, and infertility appearing in the later decades of reproductive lifespan. Further investigations are required to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying these alterations in the follicles during ovarian aging.

scholarly journals Single cell RNA sequencing identifies IGFBP5 and QKI as ciliated epithelial cell genes associated with severe COPD

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuying Li ◽  
Guillaume Noell ◽  
Tracy Tabib ◽  
Alyssa D. Gregory ◽  
Humberto E. Trejo Bittar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Ciliated Epithelial Cells ◽  
Severe Copd

Abstract Background Whole lung tissue transcriptomic profiling studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have led to the identification of several genes associated with the severity of airflow limitation and/or the presence of emphysema, however, the cell types driving these gene expression signatures remain unidentified. Methods To determine cell specific transcriptomic changes in severe COPD, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) on n = 29,961 cells from the peripheral lung parenchymal tissue of nonsmoking subjects without underlying lung disease (n = 3) and patients with severe COPD (n = 3). The cell type composition and cell specific gene expression signature was assessed. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify the specific cell types contributing to the previously reported transcriptomic signatures. Results T-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and clustering of scRNA seq data revealed a total of 17 distinct populations. Among them, the populations with more differentially expressed genes in cases vs. controls (log fold change >|0.4| and FDR = 0.05) were: monocytes (n = 1499); macrophages (n = 868) and ciliated epithelial cells (n = 590), respectively. Using GSEA, we found that only ciliated and cytotoxic T cells manifested a trend towards enrichment of the previously reported 127 regional emphysema gene signatures (normalized enrichment score [NES] = 1.28 and = 1.33, FDR = 0.085 and = 0.092 respectively). Among the significantly altered genes present in ciliated epithelial cells of the COPD lungs, QKI and IGFBP5 protein levels were also found to be altered in the COPD lungs. Conclusions scRNA seq is useful for identifying transcriptional changes and possibly individual protein levels that may contribute to the development of emphysema in a cell-type specific manner.

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