Growth factor signalling pathways in lung development

摘要

Lung mesenchyme is a critical determinant of the shape and size of the lung, the extent and patterning of epithelial branching, the formation of the pulmonary vasculature and interstitial mesenchymal components of the adult lung. Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (Fgf9) is expressed in lung mesothelium and epithelium. During development, FGF9 primarily signals to mesenchymal FGF receptors (FGFRs), but also has the unique ability to signal to some epithelial FGFRs. We have shown that during mouse lung development, FGF9 is essential for mesenchyme growth and differentiation. We hypothesized that a principal function of FGF9 is to control the size and shape of the lung by regulating the growth of the underlying mesenchyme and by directly or indirectly regulating epithelial growth and development.