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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Generation of ESC-derived Mouse Airway Epithelial Cells Using Decellularized Lung Scaffolds
Published on: May 5, 2016
Protocol for the generation of murine bronchiolospheres
Ana Ivonne Vazquez-Armendariz1, Werner Seeger1, Susanne Herold1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Institute for Lung Health (ILH), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany.
This study identifies specific mesenchymal cells that support airway repair. A protocol for culturing airway organoids (bronchiolospheres) is detailed to assess this support for club cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pulmonary Biology
Background:
- Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are crucial in airway biology and disease.
- Mesenchymal cells play a significant role in tissue repair and niche formation.
- Organoid models offer a platform to study complex cellular crosstalk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key mesenchymal cell populations involved in airway repair.
- To provide a detailed protocol for generating airway organoids (bronchiolospheres).
- To assess the capacity of mesenchymal cells to support club cell growth within organoids.
Main Methods:
- Culture of airway epithelial stem cells to form organoids.
- Co-culture systems incorporating specific mesenchymal cell populations.
- Assessment of club cell proliferation and differentiation markers.
Main Results:
- Identification of ACTA2+ PDGFRα+ mesenchymal cells as critical for airway niche support.
- Establishment of a reproducible protocol for bronchiolosphere culture.
- Demonstration of the ability of these mesenchymal cells to promote club cell growth.
Conclusions:
- ACTA2+ PDGFRα+ mesenchymal cells are vital components of the conducting airway niche.
- Airway organoid models are effective for studying epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk.
- This protocol facilitates research into airway regeneration and disease.
