The main goal of the research in our lab is to identify and understand genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation driving the differentiation of distinct epithelial cell lineages during development, and the potential alteration of these mechanisms in lung disease. Correct spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression during lung development are critical for the formation of a functional lung ready for the first breath at birth. In adults, patterns of gene expression also have to be maintained to preserve a healthy lung. Dissecting these basic mechanisms in development will provide the basis to accurately differentiate embryonic stem cells into lung epithelial cell lineages in vitro, to improve fetal lung maturation and to understand altered cell phenotypes in lung disease.