Loss of tight junction protein claudin 18 uncovers alveolar epithelial stem cell plasticity and emergence of non-fibrogenic transitional progenitors
Alessandra Castaldi, J. Chin, B Ma, Max W. Chang, K. Samimi, A. Allen, W Pinson-Rose, Jonathan Castillo, Peyman Zamani, M Xie, Nataly Arias, Kayvon Solaimanpour, Y Liu, Hua Min Shen, BT Scott, , Zea Borok
The paper identifies regeneration-associated transitional progenitors (RATPs) in Cldn18 knockout mice, showing they are less fibrogenic and contribute to lung repair rather than fibrosis.
bioRxiv · Oct 1, 2025 · PreprintCell Biology