PLX188498

GSE148816: Cell-intrinsic differences between human tracheal epithelial cells from children and adults [FACS-sorted basal cells]

• Organsim human
• Type RNASEQ
• Target gene
• Project ARCHS4

The airway epithelium is a key protective barrier whose integrity is preserved by the self-renewal and differentiation of basal progenitor cells. Epithelial cells are central to the pathogenesis of multiple chronic lung diseases for which age is a principle risk factor. Children are also less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suffer less severe symptoms than adults and have a lower rate of mortality. Few studies have addressed differences between airway epithelial cells in children and adults. Here, we perform bulk RNA sequencing studies in laser-captured whole epithelium, FACS-sorted basal cells and cultured basal cells, as well as in vitro cell proliferation experiments, to address the intrinsic molecular differences between paediatric and adult airway basal cells. We find that, while the cellular composition of the paediatric and adult tracheal epithelium is broadly similar, in cell culture, paediatric airway epithelial cells displayed higher colony forming ability, better in vitro growth and outcompeted adult cells in competitive proliferation assays. Although recurring differences between airway epithelial gene expression were seen between samples from children and adults, RNA sequencing showed broad conservation of transcriptional programmes. Genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were not differentially expressed between children and adults, although individuals showed some variability in their expression of viral infection-associated genes. Our results chart important cell intrinsic differences in transcriptional profile and regenerative capacity between tracheal epithelial cells of children and adults. SOURCE: Adam Pennycuick (a.pennycuick@ucl.ac.uk) - Lungs for Living University College London