Hajibabazade, J. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

Lef1 Promotes Foxi1-Dependent Ionocyte Specification by Airway Submucosal Gland Progenitors

Pulmonary ionocytes are rare cells in submucosal gland (SMG)-containing airways thought to have specialized ion transport properties that regulate airway surface fluid and mucus composition. The origins of pulmonary ionocytes remain unclear, but their association with airway SMGs suggests they may arise from specialized progenitors in this compartment. We show that mouse glandular myoepithelial cells (GMECs) have a unique capacity to specify ionocytes enriched in the Cftr channel. The Lef1 transcription factor was both necessary and sufficient to promote GMEC specification of ionocytes in mouse trachea, 3D organoids, and/or air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures. Overexpression of Lef1 (Lef1OE) in GMECs produced ionocyte-enriched epithelia with enhanced Cftr-mediated chloride, bicarbonate, and fluid transport properties. Moreover, Foxi1 knockout in Lef1OE GMECs prevented ionocyte formation while promoting specification of Cftr-expressing secretory cells. These findings provide a progenitor relationship for the anatomical association of ionocytes with SMGs and a transcriptional framework for coordinated specification of CFTR-expressing ionocytes and secretory cells.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Ncf1/Igfbp2 Signaling Regulates Airway Submucosal Gland Progenitor Fitness and Ionocyte Specification

Background: Airway submucosal gland progenitors (SMGPs) serve as reserve stem cells for epithelial regeneration, yet mechanisms governing their long-term maintenance remain poorly understood. Here, we identify Ncf1/Igfbp2 signaling as a regulator of mouse SMGP fitness and epithelial lineage specification. Methods: Mouse SMGPs with genetic disruption of Ncf1 or Igfbp2 were serially passaged to assess progenitor proliferation, organoid-forming capacity, epithelial marker expression, DNA damage, DNA repair responses, and telomere length. Differentiated epithelia were evaluated for Cftr-mediated anion transport and pulmonary ionocyte specification in vitro and in vivo. Results: Genetic disruption of Ncf1 or Igfbp2 preserved SMGP identity, enhanced proliferative and organoid-forming capacity, and reduced DNA damage accumulation through activation of DNA repair programs. Epithelia derived from Ncf1-/- and Igfbp2-/- SMGPs maintained higher Cftr-mediated anion transport at late passage and exhibited enhanced pulmonary ionocyte specification in vitro and in vivo. These effects occurred independently of telomere shortening, implicating altered stress responses and DNA damage handling rather than replicative limits. Conclusions: Together, our findings identify Ncf1/Igfbp2 signaling as a regulator of airway stem cell fitness and epithelial maturation, with implications for regenerative therapies in lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

cell biology↗