Hedgehog and Platelet-derived Growth Factor Signaling Intersect during Postnatal Lung Development

The study discussed the importance of Hedgehog (HH) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling in normal lung development, particularly in the differentiation and proliferation of alveolar myofibroblasts. The researchers demonstrated that inhibition of HH signaling leads to similar phenotypes observed in PDGF knockouts during secondary alveolar septation. They also provide evidence of pathway convergence between HH and PDGF signaling pathways in generating lung myofibroblasts. Bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell transcriptomic analysis identify HH/PDGF targets in several postnatal lung mesenchymal cell populations. These findings have implications for understanding perinatal lung diseases associated with impaired alveolarization.