title: Understanding the development of the respiratory glands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The submucosal glands (SMGs) of the respiratory system are specialized structures essential for maintaining airway homeostasis. The significance of SMGs is highlighted by their involvement in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma and chronic bronchitis, where their phenotype and function are severely altered. Uncovering the normal development of the airway SMGs is essential to elucidate their role in these disorders, however, very little is known about the cellular mechanisms and intracellular signals involved in their morphogenesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review describes in detail the embryonic developmental journey of the nasal SMGs and the postnatal development of the tracheal SMGs in the mouse. Current knowledge of the genes and signalling molecules involved in SMG organogenesis is also explored.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here we review the temporal localisation and development of the murine respiratory glands in the hope of stimulating further research into the mechanisms required for successful SMG patterning and function.
authors: Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: May
authors: Abigail
authors: A
authors: Tucker
mesh_terms: D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000196:embryology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009154:Mutation; D009336:Necrosis; D015676:Osteonectin / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000196:embryology*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D024141:Collagen Type IV; D015676:Osteonectin
keywords: airway homeostasis; respiratory stem cells; submucosal glands (SMGs)