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Updated: May 5, 2026

Preparation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Pellets and Plasma from a Single Blood Draw at Clinical Trial Sites for Biomarker Analysis
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Published on: March 20, 2021

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Particulate matter modulates the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, dysregulates cell metabolism

Juan J Ospina-Velásquez1, Damariz Marín-Palma2, Diana Maryory Gómez-Gallego1

  • 1Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|March 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Particulate matter (PM10) exposure alters gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), potentially promoting cancer initiation and progression. This study reveals significant genetic remodeling linked to cancer hallmarks in immune cells.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Particulate matter (PM) is a significant air pollutant linked to various health disorders, primarily through immunological activity.
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are crucial immune cells whose transcriptome reflects responses to environmental exposures like PM.
  • Altered gene expression in PBMCs is also observed in cancer patients, suggesting a link between PM exposure and carcinogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of PM10 exposure on the transcriptome of PBMCs.
  • To identify and characterize differential gene expression patterns associated with the hallmarks of cancer following PM10 exposure.

Main Methods:

  • RNA sequencing was performed on PBMCs exposed to PM10.
  • Differential gene expression analysis was conducted to identify genes and pathways related to cancer hallmarks.

Main Results:

  • PM10 exposure induced differential remodeling of 1226 genes in PBMCs.
  • Key biological processes including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, inflammation, and metabolism were deregulated.
  • Common gene alterations were observed across cell types, with AKR1C1 highlighted as a key gene in PM response.
  • An association was found between genes involved in cancer processes and specific transcription factors.

Conclusions:

  • PM10 exposure significantly modulates the PBMCs transcriptome.
  • The observed genetic remodeling in PBMCs suggests a potential mechanism by which PM10 exposure may contribute to cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and immune evasion.
Keywords:
CancerPBMCsPM10RNAseqtranscriptomics

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