Abstract
Lung organogenesis is a highly coordinated process governed by a network of conserved signaling pathways that ultimately control patterning, growth, and differentiation. This rigorously regulated developmental process culminates with the formation of a fully functional organ. Conversely, failure to correctly regulate this intricate series of events results in severe abnormalities that may compromise postnatal survival or affect/disrupt lung function through early life and adulthood. Conditions like congenital pulmonary airway malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, bronchogenic cysts, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia display unique forms of lung abnormalities. The etiology of these disorders is not yet completely understood; however, specific developmental pathways have already been reported as deregulated. In this sense, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to normal/abnormal lung growth and development and their impact on postnatal survival.
Highlights
Lung organogenesis is a highly coordinated process governed by a network of conserved signaling pathways that control patterning, growth, and differentiation
Key signaling pathways play a role in this process, for instance, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) [1], Retinoic Acid (RA) [2], Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) [3], Wingless-related Integration Site (WNT) [4], Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), Bone
The embryonic phase of human lung development is characterized by the formation of two primordial right and left buds that emerge from the foregut endoderm
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Lung development is a highly orchestrated and conserved multistage process sustained by molecular, cellular, and physical events, traversing all gestational ages. Proper lung formation relies upon the crosstalk between epithelial and mesenchymal compartments, which controls the temporal and spatial distribution of a multitude of factors and diffusible signals. Key signaling pathways play a role in this process, for instance, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) [1], Retinoic Acid (RA) [2], Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) [3], Wingless-related Integration Site (WNT) [4], Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), Bone. Congenital lung malformations arise due to abnormal embryonic development caused by an impairment of signaling and/or genetic factors. The following sections will address the key regulatory factors involved throughout the different lung developmental stages and the molecular determinants of the most common lung congenital anomalies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
