Salk Institute Scientists Discover Gene Useful in Development of Lungs and Brain

Salk Institute for Biological Studies scientists have identified a gene that causes cells to develop multiple cilia, tiny hair-like structures that move fluids through the lungs and brain. The finding may aid scientists in generating new therapies that use stem cells to replace damaged tissues in the lung and other organs.

“Cells with multiple cilia play a number of important roles, including moving fluids through the respiratory tract, brain and spinal cord,” says Christopher R. Kintner, a professor in Salk’s Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, who led the research. “Knowing the gene that instructs cells to develop multiple cilia helps us understand how we might coax stem cells into developing into this type of cell, which we could then use to repair damaged tissue.” For more information, click here to read the full release.