Exploring intrinsic variability between cultured nasal and bronchial epithelia in cystic fibrosis
The nasal and bronchial epithelium are integral parts of the respiratory tract, impacted in the monogenic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF). Recent studies reveal intrinsic variability in nasal and bronchial tissues, including differences in mucociliary cell composition and expression of unique transcriptional regulatory proteins. The authors investigate if these intrinsic differences between nasal and bronchial epithelial cells persist in culture and affect their functioning in CF. Bulk RNA sequencing performed by SCD identified cell type-specific signature transcription factors, some of which were poised for expression in basal progenitor cells. Notably, differentiated nasal and bronchial epithelial 3D organoids exhibited varying capacities for fluid secretion, associated with differences in ciliated cell differentiation. These unique features in cell culture models can inform investigations into tissue-specific effects on upper and lower respiratory disease development in CF.
