Topic: The driving force of alveolar development, regeneration, and fibrosis

Speaker: Prof. Nan TANG

Time: 4:30-5:30 PM, 10 Mar. , 2023

Venue: Room 111, Lynn Library

Abstract:

Many organs, and especially the lung, have unique mechanical properties and are exposed to ever-present mechanical forces. It is therefore important to carefully consider the coordinated influences of both mechanical forces and growth factors when investigating the mechanisms that control tissue development and regeneration in such organs. Here, we used an integrated combination of mouse genetics, live imaging, lineage tracing, and quantitative cell biology to demonstrate alveolar development and regeneration are synergistically controlled by both mechanical forces and a local growth factor. We have also established a direct mechanistic link between impaired alveolar regeneration, mechanical tension, and progressive lung fibrosis. Our study highlights the essential need to consider the coordinated influences of both mechanical forces and growth factors to obtain a comprehensive and thus accurate understanding of the development and regeneration of such organs.