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A role for mesenchyme dynamics in mouse lung branching morphogenesis
Pierre Blanc1, Karen Coste, Pierre Pouchin
1Retinoids, Development and Developmental Diseases-EA 7281, Medicine School, Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France. pblanc@chu-clermontferrand.fr
Plos One
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Lung epithelial branching adapts in real-time to fill mesenchyme space, rather than following a rigid developmental program. Coupled growth dynamics between epithelium and mesenchyme are crucial for lung morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Morphogenesis
- Pulmonary Biology
Background:
- Mammalian airway development involves repetitive epithelial branching into mesenchyme.
- Previous models proposed early, rigid specification of lung branching patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coupled dynamics of lung epithelium and mesenchyme during development.
- To determine if lung branching is rigidly programmed or adaptable.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative and quantitative in vivo morphometric analysis of mouse lung lobe development (E11.25-E13.5).
- Analysis of epithelial tree architecture and mesenchyme shape changes.
Main Results:
- Branching stereotypy decreases after initial generations, with common spatial and temporal variations.
- Branching patterns are sensitive to dynamic mesenchyme shape changes influenced by surrounding organs.
- Epithelial and mesenchymal growth remain highly correlated, suggesting long-range regulation.
- Branching variations do not lead to bud fusion, ensuring homogeneous space filling.
Conclusions:
- Lung epithelial branching is an adaptive process, responding to mesenchyme availability rather than a predetermined global program.
- Lung morphogenesis requires considering the coupled growth of mesenchyme and epithelium, along with tissue mechanics.
