Presentation Details
| Functional Specialization of Respiratory and Olfactory Mucus Revealed by Proteomic Profiling Anna Kristina Hernandez1, 2, 3, Karoline Lantzsch1, Romain Topalian4, Philipp Hubel5, Katharina Schindowski4, Jens Pfannstiel5, Thomas Hummel1. 1Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.2Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines – Manila, Manila, Philippines.3Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa, Philippines.4Institute for Applied Biotechnology, Biberach University of Applied Science, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.5Core Facility Hohenheim, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany |
Abstract
Introduction: Nasal mucus is essential for maintaining mucosal function and facilitating olfaction, yet it remains poorly characterized. Examining regional differences in its properties may provide insight into the physiologic mechanisms underlying nasal and olfactory function. This study analyzed the protein composition of nasal mucus to determine whether mucus from olfactory and respiratory mucosal regions shows distinct patterns of enrichment indicative of different underlying biological processes.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the collection of nasal mucus from 25 healthy adults (≥18 years) at two sites: the olfactory cleft (OC) and the medial surface of the inferior turbinate (respiratory mucosa, RM). Collection was done using cotton and viscose strips (Neurosorb, Vostra, DE) retained for 5 minutes. Proteins were analyzed using label-free quantitative proteomics (LFQ), in conjunction with 1D/2D Enrichment and PAN-GO Reactome Overrepresentation Analyses.
Results: A total of 6,156 proteins were identified. Welch’s T-test with False Discovery Rate correction revealed 168 enriched proteins: 115 in the RM, 53 in the OC. RM enriched proteins were associated with immune functions, with the greatest enrichment observed for neutrophil aggregation and leukocyte migration (>100-fold). OC enriched proteins were predominantly associated with cilium organization and related structural processes.
Conclusion: RM mucus is associated with immune and inflammatory processes, reflecting its role in defense, while OC mucus is enriched in structural and metabolic proteins, likely contributing to epithelial maintenance. The distinct patterns of protein enrichment and biological processes indicate that mucus from these two nasal regions reflect very distinct physiologic contexts.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the collection of nasal mucus from 25 healthy adults (≥18 years) at two sites: the olfactory cleft (OC) and the medial surface of the inferior turbinate (respiratory mucosa, RM). Collection was done using cotton and viscose strips (Neurosorb, Vostra, DE) retained for 5 minutes. Proteins were analyzed using label-free quantitative proteomics (LFQ), in conjunction with 1D/2D Enrichment and PAN-GO Reactome Overrepresentation Analyses.
Results: A total of 6,156 proteins were identified. Welch’s T-test with False Discovery Rate correction revealed 168 enriched proteins: 115 in the RM, 53 in the OC. RM enriched proteins were associated with immune functions, with the greatest enrichment observed for neutrophil aggregation and leukocyte migration (>100-fold). OC enriched proteins were predominantly associated with cilium organization and related structural processes.
Conclusion: RM mucus is associated with immune and inflammatory processes, reflecting its role in defense, while OC mucus is enriched in structural and metabolic proteins, likely contributing to epithelial maintenance. The distinct patterns of protein enrichment and biological processes indicate that mucus from these two nasal regions reflect very distinct physiologic contexts.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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