Figure 6. Increased CK5+ airway basal cells are noted at Day 10 after tracheal transplantation.

Basal cells were determined by immunofluorescent staining for Cytokeratin 5 (CK5). More CK5+ cells were found in the KO group at D10 after transplantation (A and B). The mRNA levels of Trp63 (C, basal cell marker), Scgb1A1 (D, Clara cell marker) and FoxJ1 (E, ciliated cell marker) were examined with RT-PCR. Dynamic changes of mRNA levels were noted during airway injury and repair. However, there was no difference between WT and KO groups.