The Lung PCA: A Multi-Dimensional Atlas of Pulmonary Premalignancy

In this proposal, that enhances ongoing Lung PCA studies, we propose aims to examine the protein localization, cell type specific expression, and biological pathways up-regulated with key SARS-CoV-2 viral entry genes across the various stages of lung cancer development. We will compare these results with protein expression of key SARS-CoV-2 viral entry genes as well as immune, epithelial, and endothelial cell proteins in lung tissue from patients that died from COVID-19, and from lung tissue sampled pre- and post-COVID-19 disease. Spatially characterizing the epithelium and stromal microenvironment and expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry genes during the development of lung cancer in the central airway and the alveoli may identify potential ways to improve clinical management of this high-risk patient population and improve COVID-19 outcomes