Research Abstract
Our laboratory focuses on lung regeneration and the application of developmental biology to lung human disease. We seek to clarify the mechanistic basis of lung stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and these inquiries into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic lung development and adult lung epithelial regeneration serve as a framework within which we seek to understand how the reactivation and distortion of normal developmental processes results in human lung disease. We are also exploring methods for the in vivo engraftment of lung epithelial stem cells as a basis for regenerative medical therapies and the production of iPS cells from individuals with lung diseases, including Cystic Fibrosis.