Microarray-based gene expression profiling suggests adaptation of lung epithelial cells subjected to chronic cyclic strain.

Background/aims: Mechanical strain of the lung tissue is a physiological process that affects the behavior of lung cells. Since recent evidence also suggests alterations in the expression of certain genes as a consequence of mechanotransduction, our study aimed at the analysis of the gene expression profile in lung epithelial cells subjected to chronic cyclic strain.

Methods: Various human lung epithelial cell lines (A549 as principal adherent cell line and four others) were subjected to cyclic strain (16 % surface distension, 12 min(-1)) in a Strain Cell Culture Device for 24 h.