Role of PPARs and Retinoid X Receptors in Lung Development
Author Information
Author(s): Dawn M. Simon, Thomas J. Mariani
Primary Institution: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Hypothesis
Epithelial cell PPARγ might be necessary for the establishment and maintenance of normal lung structure through regulation of epithelial cell differentiation and/or control of lung inflammation.
Conclusion
The study suggests that PPARγ plays a critical role in postnatal lung maturation and that its deficiency leads to structural abnormalities in the lungs.
Supporting Evidence
- PPARγ deficiency leads to enlarged airspaces in the lungs of mice.
- Normal-sized alveoli exist in PPARγ deficient lungs, but with an abnormal distribution of airspaces.
- Altered epithelial-mesenchymal interactions due to PPARγ deficiency may lead to changes in extracellular matrix gene expression.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific protein called PPARγ is important for the lungs to grow and work properly after birth.
Methodology
The researchers used a conditional targeting strategy to delete the PPARγ gene specifically within conducting airway epithelial cells in mice.
Limitations
The study does not define the cellular and molecular mechanisms for the effects of retinoic acid and PPARγ on lung development.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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