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Review
Wnt Signaling in lung organogenesis
Stijn P. De Langhe and Susan D. Reynolds
volume 4 | issue 2
april/may/june 2008Pages: 100 - 108
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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 mesencyme, and establishment of tracheal asymmetries and tracheal glands.
Authors
Stijn P. De Langhe
Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Medical Research Center; Denver, Colorado USA
Susan D. Reynolds
Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Medical Research Center; Denver, Colorado USA