Serious lung diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are caused by changes in the lung’s structure, leading to significant health challenges. To combat these diseases, it’s crucial that we understand how lung tissue is originally formed. In our lab we use models across species to study cell dynamics of the lung.
Impact
One of the key players in keeping our lungs healthy is a special type of cell known as the multiciliated cell. These cells have tiny hair-like structures called cilia that move in a coordinated way to help clear out harmful particles and pathogens from our lungs. By studying how these cells develop, we can gain valuable insights into lung diseases and better understand what goes wrong in these conditions.
reNEW research
To explore how multiciliated cells develop, I’m using lung-like spheroids originating from a frog as a model. The most effective way to study these spheroids is by observing their development over time using fluorescent microscopy. I’m currently developing 3D live imaging techniques that will allow us to capture detailed views of these lung-like structures as they develop over time, providing deeper insights into lung cell behavior.
Image description
The image shows a lung-like spheroid, with individual cells highlighted at their borders with orange. The specialized cells, known as multiciliated cells, are marked by their blue hair-like protrusions on the cell surface.
Credits
Lieke Stockmann, postdoc at the Sedzinski lab, reNEW – University of Copenhagen.
