Rhiannon B. Werder

Application of spatial transcriptomics across organoids: a high-resolution spatial whole-transcriptome benchmarking dataset

This paper benchmarks spatial transcriptomics in stem cell-derived organoids using Stereo-seq, optimizing RNA capture and introducing regional analysis methods.

Attenuated interferon signalling in alveolar epithelium limits resistance to Streptococcus pyogenes

This study compares S. pyogenes infection responses in airway and alveolar epithelial cells, finding that alveolar cells show higher cell death and a pro-inflammatory response without cytokine secretion, and that IFN-β treatment reduces infection.

Macrophages Mediate Antiviral Immunity and Repair of Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial Cells in a Human Stem Cell Model

This study develops an iPSC-derived air-liquid interface platform to study AT2-macrophage interactions in homeostasis, infection, and repair, revealing their roles in antiviral immunity and epithelial repair.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Human Lung Alveolar Type 2 Cells Elicits a Rapid Epithelial-Intrinsic Inflammatory Response

This study uses human stem cell-derived alveolar type 2 cells to model SARS-CoV-2 infection, revealing rapid inflammatory responses and drug efficacy against the virus.

Human iPSC-derived alveolar and airway epithelial cells can be cultured at air-liquid interface and express SARS-CoV-2 host factors

Human iPSC-derived alveolar type II-like and airway epithelial cells adapted to two-dimensional air-liquid interface culture express ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at frequencies comparable to primary lung epithelial controls.

Single-cell time-series mapping of cell fate trajectories reveals an expanded developmental potential for human PSC-derived distal lung progenitors

The paper maps cell fate trajectories of human PSC-derived distal lung progenitors using scRNA-seq and identifies developmental plasticity regulated by Wnt signaling.