Genomic Phenotype Of Non-Cultured IPF Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT: The activated fibroblast is the central effector cell for the progressive fibrotic process that characterizes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). An understanding of the genomic phenotype of this cell in isolation is essential to the understanding of disease pathogenesis and is integral to strategizing therapeutic trials. Employing a unique technique that minimizes cellular phenotypic alterations, we characterized the genomic phenotype of non-cultured pulmonary fibroblasts from the lungs of patients with advanced IPF. This approach revealed several novel genes and pathways previously unreported in IPF fibroblasts. Specifically, we demonstrate altered expression in proteasomal constituents, ubiquitination mediators, the Wnt pathway and several cell cycle regulators suggestive of loss of normal cell cycle controls. The pro-inflammatory cytokine CXCL12 was also up-regulated which may provide a mechanism for fibrocytes’ recruitment, while up-regulated oncogenic KIT may promote fibroblast over proliferation. Paradoxically, pro-apoptotic inducers such as death inducing ligand TRAIL (TNFSF10) and pro-apoptotic Bax were also up-regulated. This comprehensive description of altered gene expression within IPF fibroblasts sheds further light on the complex interactions that characterize IPF. Further studies including therapeutic interventions directed at these pathways hold promise for the treatment of this devastating disease.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE17978 | GEO | 2010/05/19

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA120007

REPOSITORIES: GEO