Mesenchymal cells, or stromal cells, are known as structural cells found throughout the organs, acting as the essential supporting framework for cell positioning and niches. Ectopic loss and gain of mesenchymal cells can lead to remarkable tissue topological remodeling as hallmarks of many lung diseases such as COPD and fibrosis. Therefore mesenchymal cell changes have long been considered the “smoking-gun” in disease progression.

Our recent study revealed that subset of mesenchymal cellsplay pro-regenerative roles in lung compensatory regrowth, and are essential for tissue restoration post injury. We are interested in understanding how cell fate is determined towards dysplastic repair versus euplastic regeneration. The underlying “molecular switch” identified in our finding will open new avenues for disease prevention and treatment. 

Spiny mice (Acomys) are among the only known mammalian species capable of regenerating full-thickness skin without scarring. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this remarkable regenerative capacity in such a highly evolved mammal remain largely unknown.

Given the complex multicellular composition and structural constraints of the lung, we are interested in determining whether—and how—the lungs of spiny mice exhibit enhanced repair or regenerative responses following injury. By dissecting the cellular dynamics and molecular programs that enable regeneration in this system, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of tissue restoration.

Ultimately, our goal is to translate these insights into strategies that promote lung repair and regeneration in human pulmonary diseases.