Wnt signaling in lung organogenesis |
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| Authors: | Stijn P De Langhe and Susan D Reynolds |
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| Institution: | Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Medical Research Center; Denver, Colorado USA |
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| Abstract: | Reporter transgene, knockout, and misexpression studies support the notion that Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates aspects of branching morphogenesis, regional specialization of the epithelium and mesenchyme, and establishment of progenitor cell pools. As demonstrated for other foregut endoderm-derived organs, β-catenin and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway contribute to control of cellular proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the contribution of Wnt/β-catenin signaling to these processes is shaped by other signals impinging on target tissues. In this review, we will concentrate on roles for Wnt/β-catenin in respiratory system development, including segregation of the conducting airway and alveolar compartments, specialization of the mesenchyme, and establishment of tracheal asymmetries and tracheal glands.Key words: morphogenesis, respiratory, airway, alveolar, mesenchyme, endoderm |
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