Determining in Vitro Properties of Epithelial Cells From Individuals With Genetic Variants Associated With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Determining in Vitro Properties of Epithelial Cells From Individuals With Genetic Variants Associated With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The investigators are trying to understand the role of specific genes in the function of airway surface cells. The investigators know that there are some common genetic markers that are associated with various lung diseases. However, most people with these genetic markers never develop any evidence of lung disease, so it is not understand how or if these markers play a role in disease. Investigators are asking healthy people to provide three (3) tubes of blood as well as a sample of cells from their nose. Investigators will use the blood sample to provide genetic information (specifically, presence or absence of alleles known to be associated with pulmonary fibrosis). Nose cells from individuals with the genetic markers that investigators are studying will be grown in the the lab to allow investigators to learn more about how the cells respond to various forms of environmental stress, such as exposure to cigarette smoke. The goal of this study is to understand how specific genes affect airway cell function.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age greater than 18 years of age
2. Ability to provide informed consent
3. Patent bilateral nares

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant nasal or sinus disease precluding nasal brushing
2. A history of or ongoing epistaxis (nose-bleeding)
3. Acute upper respiratory illness
4. Ongoing treatment of respiratory or sinus illness with antibiotics
5. Pregnancy
6. Age less than 18 years
7. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or viral hepatitides (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
8. Prior volunteer for the same study
9. Known diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or other ciliary disorder (example: primary ciliar dyskinesia)
10. Treatment with anticoagulants (examples: warfarin/coumadin, low molecular weight heparins, direct thrombin inhibitors such as dabigatran, anti-platelet agents such as P2Y12 inhibitors like clopidogrel and prasugrel, aspirin, ticagrelor, or factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban)
11. Known thrombocytopenia (example: immune thrombocytopenic purpura)
12. Ongoing chemotherapy
13. Known platelet dysfunction or bleeding diathesis/hemophilia