Figure 6

Activity of canonical WNT/β-CATENIN signals induced by CHIR 99021 in the developing human lung. Human lung tissue explants obtained at 15 weeks of gestation were exposed to 0, 5 and 10 μM CHIR 99021 in vitro for 72 h. ( A- B) Western blot analysis showed expression of β-CATENIN in human lung tissues. Results are presented as the mean ± sem of three independent experiments. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01. ( C) qRT-PCR analysis detected a dose-dependent increase in WNT signaling transcription factors and target genes following exposure to CHIR 99021. Results are presented as the mean ± sem of three independent experiments. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01. ( D- K) Histology examination showed obvious morphogenetic changes of the airway epithelial cells associated with CHIR 99021 treated lung tubes. Scale bars: D- G =100 μm; H- K = 20 μm.