Control of Alveolar Epithelial Cell Differentiation Before and After Birth [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Stuart Hooper (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Megan Wallace ,  Prof Richard Harding

Brief description In the lung, gas exchange takes place in small terminal airsacs called alveoli. The internal surface of the alveoli are lined with 2 types of specialist cells, the type-I and type-II cells, which are essential for the normal functioning of the lung. Although both cell types look completely different and have very different functions, they are derived from the same precursor cell. However, it is not known what determines whether these cells will become a type-I or a type-II cell. This application is directed towards understanding the mechanisms which determine the fate of these cells. This is critical information as the lung must have the correct proportions of both cell types to function properly as a gas exchange organ.

Funding Amount $AUD 376,980.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant