Direct reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts into alveolar epithelial type-II (AT2) cells

Combined expression of defined transcriptional factors direct-reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblasts into alveolar epithelial type-II (AT2) like cells. These AT2 like cells formed organoids, resembling the organoids of primary AT2. Sftpc, AT2 marker, E-cadherin, epithelial marker were expressed in immunofluorescenece staining. We analysed the gene expression profiles of these AT2 like cells. Bulk and single cell RNA-sequensing data indicated the AT2 like cells generated by direct-reprogramming from fibroblasts resembled primary AT2 cells. Reprogramming fibroblasts might provide a source of pulmonary epithelial cells for regenerative medicine.