Airway basal cell

Airway Basal Cell is a type of cell found in the respiratory system. These cells are primarily located in the trachea and larger bronchi, but can also be found in smaller airways. They serve as progenitor cells for the various cell types in the airway epithelium, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the airway lining.

Function

Airway basal cells function as stem cells for the airway epithelium. They are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into other cell types, such as ciliated cells and secretory cells. This ability allows them to replace damaged or lost cells, maintaining the integrity of the airway lining.

Role in Disease

Airway basal cells have been implicated in several respiratory diseases. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these cells show abnormal proliferation and differentiation, contributing to the pathological changes seen in the airways. Similarly, in asthma, basal cells are thought to contribute to airway remodeling, a key feature of the disease.

In addition to their role in respiratory diseases, airway basal cells are also thought to be the cells of origin for most lung cancers. They have the ability to accumulate genetic mutations and undergo malignant transformation, leading to the development of lung cancer.

Research

Research into airway basal cells is ongoing, with the aim of better understanding their biology and role in disease. This could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

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