Focus of Research
The group of Prof. Paolo Panza focuses on understanding the mechanisms of lung alveolar formation. Although the human lung can regenerate, this process is impaired in conditions of lung immaturity (premature birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia), respiratory distress (lung infection, ARDS), and chronic lung disease, including fibrosis.
We focus on the alveolus, the gas exchange unit of the lung, to uncover how specific cell types arise and organize into functional structures. To this end, we exploit the capacity of epithelial progenitor cells to self-organize into 3D lung organoids to model human lung development in vitro. These organoids mimic key stages of fetal lung maturation, including branching morphogenesis and the patterned emergence of type 1 and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells.
Using a combination of 3D culture, genetic and pharmacological manipulation, imaging, and in vivo models, we are addressing fundamental questions, including:
- How do alveolar progenitor cells differentiate and what regulates their fate?
- What signals coordinate the morphogenesis and function of the mature alveolus?
- Can developmental pathways be leveraged to overcome failed regeneration in disease?
Our recent work has identified a novel extracellular matrix protein secreted by endothelial cells that promotes type 2 cell differentiation (Panza et al., Stem Cell Reports 2025) and we have uncovered a role for WNT signaling in alveolar epithelial fate (Panza, Gkatzis, et al. Elife 2021).
We are currently investigating both intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways that affect alveolar cell differentiation and function.
Open positions! We seek outstanding candidates to join our lab as a PhD student or technical assistant. For more information, get it touch: paolo.panza@uni-giessen.de
Lab Members
Post Docs
