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Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Gene Expression Profiling of Infecting Microbes Using a Digital Bar-coding Platform
Published on: January 13, 2016
RNA Sequencing and Gene Ontology Analysis in Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
Abel P David1, Patricia A Loftus1, Matthew S Russell2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 8785University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Background:
Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is an aggressive and dangerous disease of the paranasal sinuses with high morbidity and mortality. The immune response at the level of the nasal mucosa, the site of entry, has not been previously evaluated.
Objective:
To evaluate differential gene expression in the sinonasal mucosa of AIFS patients as compared to control patients using RNA sequencing.
Methods:
Sinonasal tissue samples were prospectively obtained from consenting patients undergoing surgery between November, 2020 and November, 2021. RNA extraction and sequencing were performed and differential expression was analyzed to detect transcriptional differences between patient groups.
Results:
Tissue samples were collected from 4 patients with active AIFS diagnoses, 2 patients with recovered AIFS, 1 patient with a diagnosis of non-invasive fungal ball, and 4 healthy controls. 255 genes were differentially expressed in AIFS patients as compared to control patients. Specific Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes that were identified as differentially expressed in AIFS patients as compared to controls included the following: 1. GO:0007155 (cell adhesion), 2. GO:0030199 (collagen fibril organization) and 3. GO:0001525 (angiogenesis).
Conclusion:
Transcriptional differences were noted between AIFS and control patients in sinonasal tissue samples. Future work is necessary to determine causes of the differential gene expressions between AIFS and control patients, specifically those who are immunosuppressed, or with preexisting non-invasive forms of fungal sinusitis, to guide treatment and prevention strategies.
Insights
This study reveals distinct gene expression patterns in the sinonasal mucosa of patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS). Understanding these immune response differences is key for developing targeted treatments for this dangerous fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) presents a significant threat with high morbidity and mortality.
- The immune response within the sinonasal mucosa, the primary entry point for fungal pathogens, remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential gene expression in the sinonasal mucosa of AIFS patients compared to healthy controls.
- Utilize RNA sequencing to identify specific transcriptional changes associated with AIFS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of sinonasal tissue samples from AIFS patients and controls.
- RNA extraction and sequencing to analyze gene expression profiles.
- Differential expression analysis to identify significant transcriptional variations.
Main Results:
- Identified 255 differentially expressed genes in AIFS patients versus controls.
- Key biological processes affected include cell adhesion, collagen fibril organization, and angiogenesis.
- Analysis included patients with active AIFS, recovered AIFS, and non-invasive fungal ball.
Conclusions:
- Significant transcriptional differences exist in the sinonasal mucosa of AIFS patients.
- Further research is needed to understand the causes of these differences, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with pre-existing fungal sinusitis.
- Findings may inform future treatment and prevention strategies for AIFS.
