Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease that is still relatively unknown, although it is widespread. According to the WHO, it is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This disease, which affects the small bronchi, does not yet have ideal animal or cellular models, which hinders the discovery and development of new therapies.
A mini laboratory bronchus
This new study aims to create a cellular model in the form of small tube organoids, in order to reproduce the physiology of the bronchi. From an alginate sheath and stem cells from the bronchial wall, scientists have developed a “bronchioid” capable of simulating both the state of a healthy bronchus and that of a bronchus affected by COPD. What functions does this bronchioid manage to reproduce? Answer with Isabelle Dupin, professor at the Institut Universitaire de France and the University of Bordeaux, researcher at the Bordeaux Cardiothoracic Research Center and last author of This study was published in the European Respiratory Journal.
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