Figure 2.

UPR mRNA and protein expression in PBMC of non-COPD and COPD subjects.

Notes: (A) mRNA expression of BiP, ATF6, PERK, IRE1, and CHOP. mRNA was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR; normalized gene expression levels are given as the ratio between the mean value for the target gene and β-actin in each sample. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. (B) Representative Western blot analysis for the indicated proteins (BiP, ATF6, PERK, IRE1, and CHOP) and the average quantification obtained by densitometric analysis of all the samples derived from non-COPD and COPD subjects. Row 1, target protein; row 2, β-actin. Data are expressed as mean ± SD.

Abbreviations: ATF6, activating transcription factor 6; BiP, binding immunoglobulin protein; CHOP, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; IRE1, inositol-requiring kinase 1; mRNA, messenger RNA; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; PERK, protein kinase-like ER kinase; SD, standard deviation; UPR, unfolded protein response.