A*STAR Scientists First to Identify Stem Cell Key to Lung Regeneration

摘要

Scientists at A*STAR'S Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and Institute of Molecular Biology (1MB), have made a breakthrough discovery in the understanding of lung regeneration. Their research showed for the first time that distal airway stem cells (DASCs), a specific type of stem cells in the lungs, are involved in forming new alveoli[1] to replace and repair damaged lung tissue, providing a firm foundation for understanding lung regeneration. Lung damage is caused by a wide range of lung diseasesincluding influenza infections and chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Influenza infection induces acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which affects more than 150,000 patients a year in the US, with a death rate of up to 50 percent. COPD is the fifth biggest killer worldwide.