Molecular mechanisms controlling lung morphogenesis

The complex process of lung formation is determined by the action of numero us genes that influence cell commitment, differentiation, and proliferation . This review summarizes current knowledge of various factors involved in l ung morphogenesis correlating their temporal and spatial expression with th eir proposed functions at various times during the developmental process. R apid progress in understanding the pathways involved in lung morphogenesis will likely provide the framework with which to elucidate the mechanisms co ntributing to lung malformations and the pathogenesis of genetic and acquir ed lung diseases.