Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 10 is essential for lung morphogenesis

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 10 is essential for lung morphogenesis and polymorphisms in the Fgf10 region are linked with higher susceptibility towards COPD in human patients. We found that FGF10 signaling is impaired in lung septal wall compartment from COPD patients. Mice with impaired FGF10 signaling (Fgf10+/-) were more prone to develop cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Furthermore, FGF10 overexpression could successfully reverse cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and PH in mice. 14 groups with 4-5 biological replicates