Differential gene expression in human conducting airway surface epithelia and submucosal glands.

ABSTRACT: Human conducting airways contain two anatomically distinct epithelial cell compartments: surface epithelium and submucosal glands (SMG). Surface epithelial cells interface directly with the environment and function in pathogen detection, fluid and electrolyte transport, and mucus elevation. SMG secrete antimicrobial molecules and most of the airway surface fluid. Despite the unique functional roles of surface epithelia and SMG, little is known about the differences in gene expression and cellular metabolism that orchestrate the specialized functions of these epithelial compartments. To approach this problem, we performed large-scale transcript profiling using epithelial cell samples obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM) of human bronchus specimens. We found that SMG expressed hig

SUBMITTER: Fischer AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2633141 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature