Stem cell differentiation into alveolar epithelial type II cells using defined growth factors

This protocol enables the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells by cultivation with keratinocyte growth factor, dexamethasone, 8-bromoadenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The induced cells form epithelial-like structures with clear basal-to-apical orientation and express markers typical of alveolar epithelial type II cells.