The unique architecture of the mammalian lung is required for adaptation to air breathing at
birth and thereafter. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling its …

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable complex genetic disorder that is
associated with sequence changes in 7 genes (MUC5B, TERT, TERC, RTEL1, PARN …

Respiratory surfaces are exposed to billions of particulates and pathogens daily. A
protective mucus barrier traps and eliminates them through mucociliary clearance (MCC) …

In asthma, airflow obstruction is thought to result primarily from inflammation-triggered
airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. However, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle …

The vertebrate lung is elegantly patterned to carry out gas exchange and host defense.
Similar to other organ systems, endogenous stem and progenitor cells fuel the …

Mucus pathology in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been known for as long as the disease has been
recognized and is sometimes called mucoviscidosis. The disease is marked by mucus …

Airway mucus constitutes a thin layer of airway surface liquid with component
macromolecules that covers the luminal surface of the respiratory tract. The major function of …

MUC5AC, a major gel-forming mucin expressed in the lungs, is secreted at increased rates
in response to infectious agents, implying that mucins exert a protective role against inhaled …

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a common form of interstitial lung disease resulting in
alveolar remodeling and progressive loss of pulmonary function because of chronic alveolar …

Although largely deprived from exogenous stimuli in utero, the mucosal barriers of the
neonate after birth are bombarded by environmental, nutritional, and microbial exposures …