Human distal lung maps and lineage hierarchies reveal a bipotent progenitor.

ABSTRACT: Mapping the spatial distribution and molecular identity of constituent cells is essential for understanding tissue dynamics in health and disease. We lack a comprehensive map of human distal airways, including the terminal and respiratory bronchioles (TRBs), which are implicated in respiratory diseases^1-4. Here, using spatial transcriptomics and single-cell profiling of microdissected distal airways, we identify molecularly distinct TRB cell types that have not-to our knowledge-been previously characterized. These include airway-associated LGR5⁺ fibroblasts and TRB-specific alveolar type-0 (AT0) cells and TRB secretory cells (TRB-SCs). Connectome maps and organoid-based co-cultures reveal that LGR5⁺ fibroblasts form a signalling hub in the airway niche. AT0

SUBMITTER: Kadur Lakshminarasimha Murthy P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9169066 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature