Comparative Transcriptomic Signatures of Inhaled Tobacco Smoke
Comparative Transcriptomic Signatures of Inhaled Tobacco Smoke
Principal Investigator: Thomas J. Mariani
Funding Mechanism: National Institutes of Health- Grant
ID Number: 1R01DA037447-01
Award Date: 6/6/2014
Institution: University of Rochester
Tobacco smoke exposure results in a significantly increased lifelong risk of numerous inflammatory lung diseases. While the health risks of tobacco smoke exposure are widely appreciated, there are no existing in vitro tests to ascertain the risks associated with exposure to different types of tobacco products. Hypothetically, reliable changes in gene expression can serve as biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure that can predict human disease risk. The goal of this project is to detect specific disease-relevant gene expression signatures of smoke exposure from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, flavored little cigars, and hookah (waterpipe). Specific aims are: (1) to conduct comprehensive gene expression profiling of cell responses to different doses and types of tobacco and to develop assays that report tobacco smoke exposure; (2) to use animal models to define physiological responses to the inhalation of specific tobacco types and doses; and (3) to assess the human disease relevance of specific gene expression biomarkers. The proposed studies will generate an extensive database describing comprehensive gene expression responses to tobacco smoke exposure. This database may be used to develop assays that quantitatively and qualitatively measure the adverse impact of tobacco smoke exposure.