안녕하십니까. 서울토토사이트 아띠교 생명과학부 이현숙 교수님 연구실에서 주최하는 세미나에 여러분을 초대합니다.
이번 세미나에서는 폐포 제2형 세포(AT2)의 장기 배양 및 분화 유도 전략을 중심으로, 재생의학적 응용 가능성을 보여드릴 예정입니다.
관심 있는 연구자 여러분의 많은 참여를 부탁 드립니다.
일시: 2025년 9월 24일 수요일 오후 14시
장소: 서울토토사이트 아띠교 유전공학연구소(105동) 서관 1층 131호 세미나실
연사: 김방진 박사 (Columbia University)
제목: The Role of Adult Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Lessons from the Lung
초록 : Chronic lung diseases such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are characterized by irreversible loss of alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells, leading to progressive decline in pulmonary function. Alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, which serve as stem cells capable of differentiating into AT1 cells, represent a promising therapeutic source for lung regeneration. However, the lack of robust in vitro expansion methods and functional validation in disease models has hindered translational progress. In this seminar, I will present our strategy to overcome these challenges. We found that co-culture with lung endothelial cells markedly enhances AT2 self-renewal, prompting us to screen for endothelial-derived growth factors. By identifying and combining these key factors, we established a feeder-free culture system that enables long-term expansion of human AT2 stem cells. To drive functional differentiation, selective inhibition of LATS was employed, facilitating YAP nuclear entry and promoting AT1 conversion both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, transplantation of expanded human AT2 cells into murine lung injury models and fibrotic human lung slices demonstrated their capacity to differentiate into functional AT1 cells. Together, these findings highlight a novel and translationally relevant approach for generating AT2 stem cell lines and provide a foundation for regenerative therapies targeting chronic lung diseases.