Molecular regulation of lung development

Molecular regulation of lung development is discussed. Evidence suggesting that formation of the tracheobronchial tree and alveoli comes from heterogeneity of the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions is growing in volume. Various pattern regulators and how they may be involved in initiation, branching and differentiation of the respiratory system are considered. They include signaling molecules along the proximal--distal axis, with prominent roles apparently played by fibroblast growth factors, Sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factors and retinoids.