Lung development involves migration of epithelial cells into the surrounding mesoderm, resulting in the formation of the respiratory bronchioles and the terminal alveolar sacs with integrated endothelial capillary bed. However, relatively little is known of the genetic patterning and molecular events that are required to make a fully functional lung let alone the genetic basis of lung disorders such as asthma. Furthermore, airway remodeling that occurs in asthmatic patients involves cell interactions thought to be analogous to that which occurs during lung development.
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