Abstract: The technology described herein relates to methods and kits for directed differentation of primordial NKX2-1+ lung progenitors along proximal differentiation pathways into functional airway epithelial cells and airway organoids (“bronchospheres”) or along distal lineage pathways using modulation of Wnt signaling. Other aspects relate cell lines, methods, assays and kits comprising airway epithelial cells, and assays for diagnosing a disease that affects swelling of the bronchospheres, and/or for assessing genetic lesions and/or drugs for treating the the disease, where the disease is cystic fibrosis. Other aspects relate to personalized medicine and methods of treatment of cystic fibrosis using the airway epithelial cells.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to methods and kits for directed differentation of primordial NKX2-1+ lung progenitors along proximal differentiation pathways into functional airway epithelial cells and airway organoids (“bronchospheres”) or along distal lineage pathways using modulation of Wnt signaling. Other aspects relate cell lines, methods, assays and kits comprising airway epithelial cells, and assays for diagnosing a disease that affects swelling of the bronchospheres, and/or for assessing genetic lesions and/or drugs for treating the the disease, where the disease is cystic fibrosis. Other aspects relate to personalized medicine and methods of treatment of cystic fibrosis using the airway epithelial cells.