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Foxn4 influences alveologenesis during lung development
Author(s) -
Li Shengguo,
Xiang Mengqing
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.22610
Subject(s) - biology , lung , microbiology and biotechnology , transcription factor , mesenchymal stem cell , basal (medicine) , anatomy , medicine , endocrinology , genetics , gene , insulin
The terminal stage of lung development begins with the formation of the terminal sacs followed by subdivision of these sacs by septa into numerous alveoli to maximize the gas‐exchange surface. This process requires coordinated action of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors as well as interaction of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. We show here that during murine lung development, the Foxn4 transcription factor is expressed in proximal airways by a subpopulation of postmitotic epithelial cells which are distinct from basal and ciliated cells and of which only a small fraction are Clara cells. Targeted inactivation of Foxn4 causes dilated alveoli, thinned alveolar walls, and reduced septa in the distal lung but no overt gross alterations in proximal airways. The alveolar defects in mutants may result from decreased platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGFA) signaling and reduced surfactant protein B (SFTPB) expression. These data together suggest that Foxn4 may have a non–cell‐autonomous role critical for alveologenesis during lung development. Developmental Dynamics 240:1512–1517, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.