KGF signaling in type II epithelial cells

描述(申请人提供)：KGF(角质细胞生长因子)已被发现在体外诱导肺泡II型细胞的增殖和分化。此外，在包括博莱霉素、辐射和过氧化氢在内的几种肺损伤模型中，预防性给予KGF可防止肺损伤。然而，KGF介导这些效应的机制尚不清楚。我们的假设是，KGF至少部分地通过使用PI3Kinase信号级联的远端效应器诱导II型细胞分化来介导这些作用。我们将研究大鼠肺泡II型细胞在原代培养中的信号转导途径。了解这些信号机制将为肺损伤的治疗提供潜在的靶点。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): KGF (Keratinocyte Growth factor) has been found to induce proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type II cells in vitro. In addition, KGF prevents lung injury when given prophylatically in several models of lung injury including bleomycin, radiation, and hydrogen peroxide. However, the mechanisms whereby KGF mediates these effects are unknown. Our hypothesis is that KGF mediates, at least in part these actions by inducing type II cell differentiation using distal effectors of the PI3Kinase signaling cascade. We will study signal transduction pathways of rat alveolar type II cells in primary cultures. Understanding these signaling mechanisms would provide potential targets for the treatment of lung injury.