Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Proteomic analysis of pediatric sinonasal secretions shows increased MUC5B mucin in CRS
Amarel Saieg1, Kristy J Brown2, Maria T Pena3
1Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Background:
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by mucous overproduction and submucosal gland hyperplasia. The global protein profile of sinonasal secretions in pediatric CRS has not been studied. We hypothesized that MUC5B, a glandular mucin, would be relatively increased in CRS secretions compared to other mucins.
Methods:
Secretions were collected at Children's National Health System (Children's National) from CRS patients undergoing sinus surgery and from control patients without CRS undergoing craniofacial procedures. Proteins were extracted, digested to peptides, and analyzed by mass spectometry. Fold change significance was calculated using the QSpec algorithm. Western blot analysis was performed to validate proteomic findings.
Results:
In total, 294 proteins were identified. Although both MUC5B and MUC5AC were identified in a majority of samples, the relative abundance of MUC5B was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05). Western blot data validated these findings. Other proteins with the highest significant positive-fold change in CRS samples were BP1 fold-containing family A member 1, chitinase-3-like protein 1, plastin-2, serpin 10, and BP1 fold-containing family B member 1.
Conclusion:
Overall, our data demonstrate an increase of MUC5B abundance in the sinus secretions of pediatric patients with CRS.
Insights
Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) involves increased MUC5B mucin in nasal secretions. This study identified MUC5B as significantly elevated in CRS patients compared to controls, validating proteomic findings.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Proteomics
- Mucinology
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children features excessive mucus and enlarged submucosal glands.
- The protein composition of sinonasal secretions in pediatric CRS remains largely uncharacterized.
- A hypothesis proposed a relative increase in glandular mucin MUC5B within CRS secretions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global protein profile of sinonasal secretions in pediatric CRS patients.
- To determine the relative abundance of mucins, specifically MUC5B, in pediatric CRS.
- To identify other proteins significantly altered in pediatric CRS sinonasal secretions.
Main Methods:
- Sinonasal secretions were collected from pediatric CRS patients undergoing surgery and from control subjects.
- Proteomic analysis involved protein extraction, tryptic digestion, and mass spectrometry.
- Quantitative analysis utilized the QSpec algorithm for fold change significance, with Western blot validation.
Main Results:
- A total of 294 proteins were identified in the sinonasal secretions.
- MUC5B was found to be significantly more abundant in CRS samples compared to other mucins (P < 0.05).
- Other significantly elevated proteins in CRS included BP1 fold-containing family A member 1, chitinase-3-like protein 1, plastin-2, serpin 10, and BP1 fold-containing family B member 1.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a significant increase in MUC5B abundance in the sinonasal secretions of pediatric CRS patients.
- These findings highlight MUC5B as a potential biomarker in pediatric CRS.
- The proteomic data provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric CRS.

