Preparing for the first breath: genetic and cellular mechanisms in lung development.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
The mammalian respiratory system--the trachea and the lungs--arises from the anterior foregut through a sequence of morphogenetic events involving reciprocal endodermal-mesodermal interactions. The lung itself consists of two highly branched, tree-like systems--the airways and the vasculature--that develop in a coordinated way from the primary bud stage to the generation of millions of alveolar gas exchange units. We are beginning to understand some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie critical processes such as branching morphogenesis, vascular development, and the differentiation of multipotent progenitor populations. Nevertheless, many gaps remain in our knowledge, the filling of which is essential for understanding respiratory disorders, congenital defects in human neonates, and how the disruption of morphogenetic programs early in lung development can lead to deficiencies that persist throughout life.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Morrisey, EE; Hogan, BLM
Published Date
- January 19, 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 18 / 1
Start / End Page
- 8 - 23
PubMed ID
- 20152174
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3736813
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1878-1551
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.12.010
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States