Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a key role in atherogenesis. However, mechanisms
regulating expansion and fate of pre-existing SMCs in atherosclerotic plaques remain poorly …

The vessel wall is composed of distinct cellular layers, yet communication among individual
cells within and between layers results in a dynamic and versatile structure. The …

During lung fibrosis, the epithelium induces signaling to underlying mesenchyme to
generate excess myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix; herein, we focus on signaling in the …

Aging is the predominant risk factor for atherosclerosis—the leading cause of death. Rare
smooth muscle cell (SMC) progenitors clonally expand, giving rise to up to ~70% of …

The size of various tubes within tubular organs such as the lung, vascular system and kidney
must be finely tuned for the optimal delivery of gases, nutrients, waste and cells within the …

Alveolarization ensures sufficient lung surface area for gas exchange, and during bulk
alveolarization in mice (postnatal day [P] 4.5–14.5), alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) + …

The Drosophila trachea is a premier genetic system to investigate the fundamental mechanisms
of tubular organ formation. Tracheal fusion cells lead the branch fusion process to form …

Within the Drosophila embryo, two related bHLH-PAS proteins, Single-minded and Trachealess,
control development of the central nervous system midline and the trachea, respectively…

Tubes with distinct shapes and sizes are critical for the proper function of many tubular
organs. Here we describe a unique phenotype caused by the loss of a novel, evolutionarily-…

Genetic screening is one of the most powerful methods available for gaining insights into
complex biological process 1. Over the years many improvements and tools for genetic …