mTORC1 signaling facilitates differential stem cell differentiation to shape the developing murine lung and is associated with mitochondrial capacity

Kuan Zhang, Erica Yao, Ethan Chuang, Biao Chen, Evelyn Y. Chuang and Pao-Tien Chuang ()
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Kuan Zhang: University of California
Erica Yao: University of California
Ethan Chuang: University of California
Biao Chen: University of California
Evelyn Y. Chuang: University of California
Pao-Tien Chuang: University of California

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Abstract Formation of branched organs requires sequential differentiation of stem cells. In this work, we find that the conducting airways derived from SOX2+ progenitors in the murine lungs fail to form without mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and are replaced by lung cysts. Proximal-distal patterning through transitioning of distal SOX9+ progenitors to proximal SOX2+ cells is disrupted. Mitochondria number and ATP production are reduced. Compromised mitochondrial capacity results in a similar defect as that in mTORC1-deficient lungs. This suggests that mTORC1 promotes differentiation of SOX9+ progenitors to form the conducting airways by modulating mitochondrial capacity. Surprisingly, in all mutants, saccules are produced from lung cysts at the proper developmental time despite defective branching. SOX9+ progenitors also differentiate into alveolar epithelial type I and type II cells within saccules. These findings highlight selective utilization of energy and regulatory programs during stem cell differentiation to produce distinct structures of the mammalian lungs.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34763-y

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