Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:49
Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix
Published on: July 10, 2016
Airway branching morphogenesis in three dimensional culture
Sigrídur R Franzdóttir1, Ivar T Axelsson, Ari J Arason
1Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Respiratory Research
|November 27, 2010
Summary
Endothelial cells promote human lung epithelial branching in a 3D co-culture model. This study establishes a new in vitro system to investigate lung development and the endothelium's role in airway morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Lung development involves epithelial invasion of vascular stroma during branching morphogenesis.
- Endothelial cells are crucial for organogenesis, influencing structure and development.
- Replicating human lung morphogenesis in vitro is essential for studying developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a 3D co-culture model of human lung morphogenesis.
- To investigate the role of endothelial cells in lung epithelial development.
- To recapitulate airway branching and differentiation in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (VA10) with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
- Monitoring morphogenesis and differentiation using microscopy and immunostainings.
- Analyzing gene expression (FGFR-2, sprouty-2) and inhibitor effects (SU5402).
Main Results:
- VA10 cells formed bronchioalveolar-like structures in co-culture with HUVECs.
- These structures exhibited complex branching patterns and partial alveolar type-II differentiation.
- Endothelial cells mediated branching via soluble factors, involving FGFR-2 signaling.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cells induce branching morphogenesis in human lung epithelial cells in 3D culture.
- This model facilitates the study of human airway development.
- The endothelium plays a supportive role in airway epithelial branching.
