Extracellular matrix proteomic categorization of decellularized CFTR knock out and wild-type ferret lungs

Cystic Fibrosis is associated with pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the lungs, characterized by regional changes in matrix composition and structure. Previous proteomic studies have demonstrated characterization on the impact of CF on total lung ECM composition, however such studies are unable to determine differences in ECM composition between anatomical regions of the lung. We employ a post-decellularization dissection method to compare ECM composition of specific anatomical regions between wild-type and CFTR knock out ferret lungs. We demonstrate, using mass spectrometry, that CFTR KO ferret lungs express significantly different matrix peptides, including collagens, laminins, and basement-membrane associated proteins.