β-Catenin in the Alveolar Epithelium Protects from Lung Fibrosis after Intratracheal Bleomycin

Abstract

β-Catenin in the alveolar epithelium protects against bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Our studies suggest that AEC survival and wound healing are enhanced through β-catenin-dependent mechanisms. Activation of the developmentally important β-catenin pathway in AECs appears to contribute to epithelial repair after epithelial injury.