Lung stem cells repair airways after injury

(University of Iowa Health Care) Working in mice, University of Iowa researchers have identified a new population of lung stem cells that appear to be important for regenerating the airway following severe injury. The cells, known as glandular myoepithelial cells (MECs), can self-renew and differentiate into seven distinct cell types in the airway. Overexpression of the transcription factor Lef-1 in MECs is sufficient to activate the cells' regenerative response even in the absence of airway injury.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news