Wnt5a Promotes AT1 and Represses AT2 Lineage-Specific Gene Expression in a Cell-Context-Dependent Manner.

ABSTRACT: Lung maturation is not limited to proper structural development but also includes differentiation and functionality of various highly specialized alveolar cell types. Alveolar type 1 (AT1s) cells occupy nearly 95% of the alveolar surface and are critical for establishing efficient gas exchange in the mature lung. AT1 cells arise from progenitors specified during the embryonic stage as well as alveolar epithelial progenitors expressing surfactant protein C (Sftpcpos cells) during postnatal and adult stages. Previously, we found that Wnt5a, a non-canonical Wnt ligand, is required for differentiation of AT1 cells during the saccular phase of lung development. To further investigate the role of Wnt5a in AT1 cell differentiation, we generated and characterized a conditional Wnt5a gain-of-functi

SUBMITTER: Li C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9332903 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature