Fig. 9: Model of Nkx2-1 activity in controlling progenitor and transitional cell state. | Nature Communications

Fig. 9: Model of Nkx2-1 activity in controlling progenitor and transitional cell state.

From: Alveolar epithelial progenitor cells require Nkx2-1 to maintain progenitor-specific epigenomic state during lung homeostasis and regeneration

Fig. 9

AEP can differentiate to AT1 cells via either the AT1tr or Krt8+ states during homeostasis, with Nkx2-1 release from AT2 genes during transition through a Krt8+ state24. Nkx2-1 activity and expression are lowest in Krt8+ cells21, and Nkx2-1 must re-engage chromatin to complete the AT1 transition from the Krt8+ state24. Permanent Nkx2-1 loss in AEPs causes transition to proliferative, stressed, Krt8+-like state characterized by unconstrained growth in vitro and in vivo. Nkx2-1 is therefore required for the progenitor activity of AEPs.

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