Alveologenesis is the ultimate phase of lung development is mostly postnatal and allows growth of gas-exchange surface area to meet the needs of the organism.
Alveologenesis is a highly integrated process that implies cooperative interactions between interstitial, epithelial, and vascular compartments of the lung.
Understanding of its underlying mechanisms has considerably progressed recently with identification of structural, signaling, or remodeling molecules that are crucial in the process.
Thus, the pivotal role of elastin deposition in lung walls has been demonstrated, and many key control-molecules have been identified, including various transcription factors, growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix-remodeling enzymes, and retinoids.
References
Control mechanisms of lung alveolar development and their disorders in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Bourbon J, Boucherat O, Chailley-Heu B, Delacourt C. Pediatr Res. 2005 May;57(5 Pt 2):38R-46R. PMID: 15817499