Transdifferentiation of Ciliated Cells during Repair of the Respiratory Epithelium

• DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2005-0332oc
• Publication Date: 2005-10-26T07:43:46Z
• Authors: Kwon-Sik Park; James M. Wells; Aaron M. Zorn; Susan E. Wert; Victor E. Laubach; Lucas G. Fernandez; Jeffrey A. Whitsett
• Keywords: Transdifferentiation

Since the lung is repeatedly subjected to injury by pathogens and toxicants, maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis requires rapid repair its epithelial surfaces. Ciliated bronchiolar cells, previously considered as terminally differentiated, underwent squamous cell metaplasia within hours after with naphthalene. Expression transcription factors active in morphogenesis differentiation embryonic lung, including beta-catenin, Foxa2, Foxj1, Sox family members (Sox17 Sox2), was dynamically regulated during redifferentiation epithelium naphthalene injury. Squamous cells derived from ciliated spread beneath injured Clara 6-12 h injury, maintaining integrity epithelium. Dynamic changes shape gene expression, indicating plasticity, accompanied transition cuboidal columnar types differentiation-specific markers typical mature airway were restored. Similar dynamic expression these occurred regeneration unilateral pneumonectomy. Taken together, findings demonstrate that transdifferentiate into distinct