Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
11:52
Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea
Published on: September 14, 2012
Clara cell: progenitor for the bronchiolar epithelium
Susan D Reynolds1, Alvin M Malkinson
1Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA. reynoldss@njhealth.org
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Clara cells, crucial for airway protection, perform vital functions in lung homeostasis, including metabolism and immune regulation. Recent findings highlight their role as stem cells and potential tumor initiators, driving research in lung health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Clara cells, identified in 1881 and named in 1937, are specialized cells in the bronchioles.
- Historically recognized for their unique morphology, their functional significance has become increasingly apparent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of Clara cells in maintaining lung homeostasis.
- To highlight recent discoveries regarding Clara cells as airway stem cells and their implications in disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent studies on Clara cells.
- Analysis of research focusing on Clara cell functions in xenobiotic metabolism, immune regulation, and progenitor cell activity.
Main Results:
- Clara cells are essential for protecting the airway from environmental insults.
- They play key roles in xenobiotic metabolism, immune modulation, and serve as progenitor cells.
- A subpopulation of Clara cells functions as a tissue-specific stem cell and may initiate tumors.
Conclusions:
- Clara cells are vital for lung homeostasis and defense mechanisms.
- Their newly identified stem cell properties open new avenues for understanding lung regeneration and cancer biology.
- Further research into Clara cell behavior is critical for addressing lung diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Bronchial Tree
The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
01:26Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
The respiratory zone of the human body, which stands in contrast to the conducting zone, comprises the structures that actively participate in the exchange of gases. The initiation of this zone is marked by the terminal bronchioles converging into respiratory bronchioles, the tiniest bronchiole classification. The respiratory bronchioles give way to the alveolar ducts that opens into a congregation of alveoli. Actively involved in gas exchange, alveoli resemble tiny sacs similar to clusters of...
01:31Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:34Production of Formed Elements
Hemangioblasts are multipotent stem cells originating from the mesoderm. They give rise to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which undergo hematopoiesis to produce all the formed elements of blood. This process is regulated by a complex network of hematopoietic growth factors, including transcription factors, growth factors, and cytokines. These factors stimulate the HSCs to divide and differentiate, though some HSCs remain undifferentiated to maintain a self-renewing pool.
Most HSCs commit to...
Most HSCs commit to...