Exosomes in Environmental Tobacco Smoke-induced Lung Cellular Senescence and Inflammation

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or “secondhand smoke” exposure leads to stress-induced adverse outcomes including cellular senescence and toxicological effects on the lungs associated with systemic response/injury and inflammation in airway and other organ disorders. Exosomes/microparticles play an important role in maintaining normal cellular homeostasis via intercellular communication. We are studying the exosomes which are released from ETS exposed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which alter normal lung cellular phenotypes, and exosomes transfer from healthy MSCs rescue ETS-induced senescence phenotypes. We will understand the other inhaled oxidants/toxicants induced pulmonary and other systemic organ phenotypes and toxicological responses, and in chronic diseases for characterization of exosomes as biomarkers and therapeutic approaches.

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