title: Multiparametric image analysis of lung-branching morphogenesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lung-branching morphogenesis is a fundamental developmental process, yet the cellular dynamics that occur during lung development and the molecular mechanisms underlying recent postulated branching modes are poorly understood.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Here, we implemented a time-lapse video microscopy method to study the cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms of planar bifurcation and domain branching in lung explant- and organotypic cultures. Our analysis revealed morphologically distinct stages that are shaped at least in part by a combination of localized and orientated cell divisions and by local mechanical forces. We also identified myosin light-chain kinase as an important regulator of bud bifurcation, but not domain branching in lung explants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This live imaging approach provides a method to study cellular behavior during lung-branching morphogenesis and suggests the importance of a mechanism primarily based on oriented cell proliferation and mechanical forces in forming and shaping the developing lung airways.
authors.affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Childrens's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schnatwinkel
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Niswander
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009219:Myosin-Light-Chain Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D009219:Myosin-Light-Chain Kinase