Identification of human nasal mucous proteins using proteomics

Abstract

The determination of possible biomarkers in nasal secretion of healthy subjects can have a role in early diagnosis of diseases such as rhinosinusitis. For this purpose, nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) from ten volunteers, collected before and after they had been submitted to nasal provocations, were investigated. Separation and analysis of proteins present in this complex matrix was performed using a capillary liquid chromatography-electrospray-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry equipment. From among a total of 111 proteins found (89 known and two unknown proteins), 42 of which had never been previously described in this fluid, such as Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 isoform a precursors, and cytoskeletal proteins were identified with high statistical score. Three proteins of palate lung nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC) family: SPLUNC1, LPLUNC1, and LPLUNC2 were identified. Proteins involved in innate (27%) and acquired immunity (21%) systems were major components of NLF. Cellular (52% of all proteins identified) such as cytoskeletal (33%), functional (15%), and regulatory (4%) proteins, normally present in the nasal cavity, have also been identified. The proteomic approach presented here allowed us to identify the proteins involved in acquired and innate immune response in the nose against microbial infections and unclean inhaled air.

Important research questions in allergy and related diseases: nonallergic rhinitis: a GA2LEN paper

“…Genomic and proteomic data will facilitate our understanding of the functions of proteins in diseases and the discovery of novel drug target proteins and biomarkers of diseases as well as the impact of environmental triggers in rhinitis (127). The proteomics of nasal secretions and other fluids from the respiratory tract can provide a very potent tool to dissect allergic and NAR (128)(129)(130)(131)(132)(133). The analysis of these fluids is challenging because of the low protein content and the presence of mucopolysaccharides.…”

“…The interest of developing proteomic research on nasal fluid in NAR is based on previous data indicating that the proteome of this fluid is affected in seasonal allergic rhinitis and modified by pharmacologic treatment (128)(129)(130)(131)(132). Nasal fluid is a readily-accessible biological fluid whose composition may alter as a consequence of disease.…”

Identification of Five Candidate Lung Cancer Biomarkers by Proteomics Analysis of Conditioned Media of Four Lung Cancer Cell Lines

“…Some proteomics analyses of various biological fluids associated with the human airway have been reported, including nasal lavage fluid (2)(3)(4), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (5,6), and saliva (7,8). By using a combination of 2DE analysis and Gel electrophoresis coupled with LC-MS/MS, Nicholas et al (9) identified 258 proteins in human sputum, and among them, 191 were of human origin.…”

Proteomic analysis of pediatric sinonasal secretions shows increased MUC5B mucin in CRS

“…There also appears to be differences in the pathophysiology of CRS in children compared to adults such that results from adult studies may not be applicable to pediatric CRS (7). Several proteomic studies analyzed nasal lavage fluid from adults (8)(9)(10)(11) from individuals with and without various forms of sinusitis, but to our knowledge no reports in children. Identifying the exact macromolecular mucin content present in pediatric sinonasal secretions would not only provide clues as to the potential pathophysiology of this condition in children, but could also spark research into innovative ways to specifically target the viscous properties of pediatric sinonasal secretions.…”