Alterations in the expression of the lung transcription factor Nkx2-1 can lead to diseases such as lung cancer and lung interstitial disease, according to a recent study.

Nkx2-1 expression is used to identify lung tumors of epithelial origin and to differentiate lung adenocarcinomas from squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered new connections in the network of genes that control normal lung cells, and that may go awry in the formation of lung tumors and other lung diseases.

The findings, which appear in the journal Respiratory Research may help control lung cell proliferation, tumor formation and progression.

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