cAMP response element binding protein is required for differentiation of respiratory epithelium during murine development

Abstract

The cAMP response element binding protein 1 (Creb1) transcription factor regulates cellular gene expression in response to elevated levels of intracellular cAMP. Creb1-/- fetal mice are phenotypically smaller than wildtype littermates, predominantly die in utero and do not survive after birth due to respiratory failure. We have further investigated the respiratory defect of Creb1-/- fetal mice during development. Lungs of Creb1-/- fetal mice were pale in colour and smaller than wildtype controls in proportion to their reduced body size. Creb1-/- lungs also did not mature morphologically beyond E16.5 with little or no expansion of airway luminal spaces, a phenotype also observed with the Creb..