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Published on: January 21, 2018
Nasal gene expression differentiates COPD from controls and overlaps bronchial gene expression.
Ilse M Boudewijn1,2, Alen Faiz3,4, Katrina Steiling5,6
1University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, the Netherlands. i.m.boudewijn@umcg.nl.
Nasal gene expression profiling can non-invasively identify Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A distinct nasal gene signature was found in COPD patients, mirroring bronchial changes, suggesting its use as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genomics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) characterization.
- Nasal gene expression as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify a nasal gene expression profile for COPD diagnosis.
- Compare nasal and bronchial gene expression profiles in COPD.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide gene expression analysis of nasal epithelium in severe COPD patients and controls.
- Validation in independent cohorts using bronchial epithelium.
Main Results:
- 135 differentially expressed genes identified in nasal epithelium (114 downregulated, 21 upregulated) in COPD patients.
- Significant concordance between nasal and bronchial gene expression profiles in COPD.
Conclusions:
- A nasal gene expression profile can distinguish severe COPD patients from controls.
- Nasal gene expression changes partially mimic bronchial changes in COPD.
- Nasal gene expression profiling shows potential as a non-invasive COPD biomarker.
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