TLDR Lung repair involves both dedicated and flexible stem cells, important for developing new treatments.
The document reviews the mechanisms of lung tissue regeneration, focusing on the distinction between dedicated stem cells, such as basal cells in the trachea and large airways, and facultative stem/progenitor cells, like alveolar epithelial progenitors (AEPs) in the alveoli. Basal cells, which express Trp63 and Keratin 5, are capable of proliferating and differentiating into various airway epithelial cells, while AEPs can self-renew and differentiate into alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells for alveolar repair. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes for developing regenerative therapies. It also discusses the role of signaling pathways, cellular niches, and the potential need for a scaffold in tissue regeneration, drawing parallels with other tissues such as skeletal muscle and skin. Advances in single-cell transcriptomics are highlighted as a tool for furthering knowledge in this area.
82 citations,
March 2016 in “Cell” The conclusion is that tissue structure is key for stem cell communication and maintaining healthy tissues.
128 citations,
August 2015 in “Cell Stem Cell” Damage to skin releases dsRNA, which activates TLR3 and helps in skin and hair follicle regeneration.
551 citations,
November 2013 in “Nature” Certain mature cells in mouse lungs can turn back into stem cells to aid in tissue repair.
237 citations,
June 2013 in “Nature Medicine” A protein from certain immune cells is key for new hair growth after skin injury in mice.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
551 citations,
November 2013 in “Nature” Certain mature cells in mouse lungs can turn back into stem cells to aid in tissue repair.
232 citations,
January 2013 in “Nature Cell Biology” Understanding where cancer cells come from helps create better prevention and treatment methods.
3 citations,
March 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Keratin protein production in cells is controlled by a complex system that changes with cell type, health, and conditions like injury or cancer.
The document concludes that the development of certain tumors is influenced by genetic background and that a specific gene modification can lead to tumor regression and reduced growth.
3 citations,
February 2021 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” Adult esophageal cells can start to become like skin cells, with a key pathway influencing this change.