FGF Signaling and Early Lung Development Essay -- Biology, Lung

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mediate organogenesis, which results from the activation of complex gene networks. Early respiratory development arises from the foregut endoderm and gives rise to tracheal and lung progenitor cells. Recent studies have linked fibroblast growth factor, Wnt, and other signaling pathways to the initial stages of lung development. Cells respond to signaling proteins mainly though transcription factors that ultimately determine cell fate and pattern formation. Gain and loss-of-function studies have facilitated the identification and functionality of molecular components as part of development. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays an important role in the regulatory network present in embryonic pulmonary development. FGF controls cell proliferation, differentiation and pattern formation; however, the interaction of FGF with other signaling pathways is still questioned by researchers. FGF-7 and FGF-10 are important for patterning and growth of the lung bud and are differentially regulated by FGF-1 and FGF-2. Research has shown FGF is an important factor in respiratory development as it regulates the expression of other signaling pathways. Said molecular events involving FGF signaling drive key phases of pulmonary development and thus the understanding of these key segmental mechanisms gives way to new knowledge of pathogenesis involving congenital anomalies, helping to develop innovative therapies to treat disease. Unless specifically mentioned, anything regarding expression patterns and developmental effects of morphogens, transcription and growth factors, or any other developmental factors effecting lung development are referenced from the murine lung. Accordingly, functional relevance... ...change, an extremely complicated process. The lung is an organ that contains a vast system of airways carefully constructed to achieve maximal surface area in a confined space. This helps to form an environment suitable for the bronchial and pulmonary vascular systems. These airways that grow out into the body, like a tree towards the sky, require careful guidance from many developmental factors such as transcriptional regulators, growth factors, morphogens and extra cellular matrix molecules. When mutations in the genes that control these factors occur, aberrations during lung development can arise and may lead to severe morbidity or mortality at birth due to respiratory failure. The FGF signaling pathway is one such signaling mechanism that is critical to proper lung formation, guiding branching morphogenesis and cellular proliferation of the developing lung.