Chloride channels regulate differentiation and barrier functions of the mammalian airway

In this study, we systematically characterized the developmental landscape of the mouse airway using single-cell RNA sequencing and identified remarkably conserved cellular programs operating during human fetal development. We demonstrated that in mouse, genetic inactivation of chloride channelAno1/Tmem16acompromises airway barrier function, results in early signs of inflammation, and alters the airway cellular landscape by depleting epithelial progenitors. MouseAno1-/- mutants exhibited mucus obstruction and abnormal mucociliary clearance that resemble the airway defects associated with cystic fibrosis. The data reveal critical and non-redundant roles forAno1 in organogenesis, and show that chloride channels are essential for mammalian airway formation and function.
Source: eLife - Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Developmental Biology Source Type: research