Lung rpogenitor cells, assays, and uses thereof

摘要

Substantially enriched mammalian lung endothelial and epithelial progenitor cell populations are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and in vivo differentiation of such lung progenitor cells. The progenitor cells are obtained from lung tissue, including fetal and adult tissues. The cells are useful in transplantation, for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, including mRNA species useful in identifying genes specifically expressed in these cells, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them.