Thursday, June 30, 2011

Integrin α6β4 epithelial progenitor cells reported

In addition to type II epithelial cells,  a new epithelial progenitor cell population in the lung can be defined by integrin α6β4. These cells do not express SP-C. They can differentiate into SP-C positive type II cells and bronchiolar Clara cells. The study was recently published by Dr. Chapman and colleagues in the JCI. Here is the diagram from a commentary by Dr. Whitsett.



This study broadens our understanding of lung (alveolar) epithelial progenitor cells.

With the aid of renal capsule organiod assay, the authors determined that the α6β4+ can differentiate into both SP-C (type II) and CCSP (Clara) positive cells.


Furthermore, the α6β4+ cells are significantly expanded in the lung after bleomycin challenge.




Sources:
http://www.jci.org/articles/view/57673
http://www.jci.org/articles/view/58704
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=21701069[uid]



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