| dc.description.abstract |
<p>Epithelial cells are the organism’s first defensive barrier to pathogens, toxins,
and other noxious elements. Constant exposure to these elements requires exquisite
control over the process of regeneration to ensure that damaged cells are constantly
replenished while preventing overgrowth and maintaining organ size. Many of the mechanisms
of proliferation and differentiation are exploited by sub-populations of cells following
injury but also by tumor cells to allow uncontrolled growth and acquired resistance.
</p><p>In the lung, elegant studies have identified several putative stem cell populations
contributing to the regeneration of lung epithelial cells following injury. However,
despite the abundance of region specific lung stem/progenitor cells, a specific cellular
source that can be activated in response to damage remains unknown. The studies presented
here identify the Abl kinases as a potential cellular target in several progenitor
cell types that can be targeted for efficient recovery following a variety lung injuries,
including bacterial and viral pneumonia. Furthermore, by targeting some of the same
pathways of de-differentiation cancer cells use to acquire resistance, Abl kinase
inhibition promotes differentiation of primary lung cancer cells and renders them
more susceptible to chemotherapy.</p>
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