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Generation of 3D Whole Lung Organoids from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Lung Developmental Biology and Disease
Published on: April 12, 2021
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Development of the lung
1Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland. schittny@ana.unibe.ch.
Cell and Tissue Research
|February 2, 2017
Summary
Lung development involves airway formation followed by alveolarization, creating gas exchange surfaces. This process of alveolarization continues throughout life, supporting lung regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary biology and developmental biology.
Background:
- The lung's structure, with its extensive surface area and airway system, is crucial for gas exchange.
- Lung development involves distinct stages, including airway formation (branching morphogenesis) and the enlargement of gas exchange areas (alveolarization).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the developmental processes of lung organogenesis, focusing on airway formation and alveolarization.
- To elucidate the cellular and vascular mechanisms underlying alveolarization and its lifelong continuation.
Main Methods:
- Review of lung development stages: organogenesis, pseudoglandular, and canalicular stages.
- Description of alveolarization as airspace subdivision and capillary network remodeling.
- Explanation of angiogenesis's role in supporting ongoing alveolarization.
Main Results:
- Airways form first via branching morphogenesis, followed by alveolarization which creates 90% of the gas exchange surface.
- The bronchioalveolar duct junction forms during the canalicular stage and remains constant.
- Alveolarization continues postnatally, supported by angiogenesis, enabling lifelong lung plasticity and regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Lung development is a sequential process of airway and alveolar formation.
- Alveolarization is a dynamic, lifelong process essential for maintaining lung function and enabling regeneration.
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