Featured
-
-
Article
| Open AccessSingle cell and genetic analyses reveal conserved populations and signaling mechanisms of gastrointestinal stromal niches
Wnt signals for intestinal stem cell self-renewal originate from the stroma and Paneth cells, but the source in stomach is unclear. Here the authors identify a conserved population of stromal cells adjacent to stomach epithelia where Gli2 activates Wnt ligands to promote gastrointestinal regeneration and development.
- Ji-Eun Kim
- , Lijiang Fei
- & Tae-Hee Kim
-
Article
| Open AccessProx1-positive cells monitor and sustain the murine intestinal epithelial cholinergic niche
Acetylcholine regulates intestinal epithelial secretion via muscarinic Gq-coupled receptors but its role in cell differentiation is unclear. Here, the authors show that Prox1-positive endocrine cells are sensors for the cholinergic intestinal niche and can trigger increased differentiation of enteroendocrine DCLK1-positive tuft cells.
- Moritz Middelhoff
- , Henrik Nienhüser
- & Timothy C. Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessSertoli cell ablation and replacement of the spermatogonial niche in mouse
Sertoli cells and other somatic cells of the testis comprise the germ cell niche and are critical to regulate spermatogenesis. Here the authors present a method in which Sertoli cells are selectively targeted for ablation by the compound benzalkonium chloride (BC) in mice, and the spermatogenic niche is subsequently repopulated in regions that have been affected by BC treatment.
- Tetsuhiro Yokonishi
- , Jennifer McKey
- & Blanche Capel
-
Article
| Open AccessNeonatal Wnt-dependent Lgr5 positive stem cells are essential for uterine gland development
Uterine gland development is essential for successful embryo implantation, decidua formation and placental development. Here the authors demonstrate that neonatal Wnt-dependent Lgr5 expressing stem/progenitor cells at the tips of developing glands are indispensable for uterine gland development.
- Ryo Seishima
- , Carly Leung
- & Nick Barker
-
Article
| Open AccessSufu- and Spop-mediated downregulation of Hedgehog signaling promotes beta cell differentiation through organ-specific niche signals
Dynamic mesenchyme derived signals are known to direct proper organ formation and cell specification in vivo. Here the authors show in mice that mesenchyme derived Hedgehog and Wnt instruct the formation of the pancreas and beta cells, and that Wnt inhibition promotes beta cell formation from human pluripotent cells.
- Theodora Yung
- , Frankie Poon
- & Tae-Hee Kim
-
Article
| Open AccessDamage sensing by a Nox-Ask1-MKK3-p38 signaling pathway mediates regeneration in the adult Drosophila midgut
Epithelia are exposed to diverse types of environmental stress, but the mechanisms by which epithelial cells sense stress are not well understood. Here, the authors show that a Nox-ROS-Ask1-MKK3-p38 signaling axis integrates various types of stress to promote intestinal regeneration.
- Parthive H. Patel
- , Clothilde Pénalva
- & Bruce A. Edgar
-
Article
| Open AccessTransit amplifying cells coordinate mouse incisor mesenchymal stem cell activation
Mouse incisor growth depends upon mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and transit amplifying cells (TACs). Here the authors describe a distinct population of MSCs that is maintained by TACs through Dlk1 ligand and that contribute to MTACs and mesenchymal lineages including dental pulp and odontoblasts.
- Jemma Victoria Walker
- , Heng Zhuang
- & Bing Hu
-
Article
| Open AccessPDGFRα+ stromal adipocyte progenitors transition into epithelial cells during lobulo-alveologenesis in the murine mammary gland
The origin and source of mammary gland progenitors and how they interact with the adipose‐rich stroma is unclear. Here, the authors identify PDGFRα+ adipocyte progenitors in the murine mammary stroma as a mesenchymal cell lineage recruited into the expanding epithelium during development, hormone exposure and pregnancy.
- Purna A. Joshi
- , Paul D. Waterhouse
- & Rama Khokha
-
Article
| Open AccessAssessment of corneal substrate biomechanics and its effect on epithelial stem cell maintenance and differentiation
The link between how the stiffness of the cornea affects stem cells is unclear. Here, the authors use Brillouin spectro-microscopy to show that mechanical properties of the cornea affect epithelial stem cells and after injury, treating the cornea with collagenase suppresses YAP activation, assisting in regeneration.
- Ricardo M. Gouveia
- , Guillaume Lepert
- & Che J. Connon
-
Article
| Open AccessTranscriptomic landscape of the blastema niche in regenerating adult axolotl limbs at single-cell resolution
Limb regeneration requires a blastema with progenitor cells, immune cells, and an overlying wound epidermis, but molecular identities of these populations are unclear. Here, the authors use single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify transcriptionally distinct cell populations in adult axolotl limb blastemas.
- Nicholas D. Leigh
- , Garrett S. Dunlap
- & Jessica L. Whited
-
Article
| Open AccessA perivascular niche for multipotent progenitors in the fetal testis
Leydig cells are steroidogenic cells in the testes and produce the androgens required for male development and spermatogenesis. Here the authors show that a multipotent progenitor population producing Leydig cells, pericytes and smooth muscle cells is maintained in a perivascular niche within the mouse fetal testis.
- Deepti L. Kumar
- & Tony DeFalco
-
Article
| Open AccessTesticular endothelial cells are a critical population in the germline stem cell niche
Self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) is necessary for spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here the authors identify testicular endothelial cells (TECs) as a source of 5 key growth factors for self-renewal and expansion of human and mouse SSCs.
- Dong Ha Bhang
- , Bang-Jin Kim
- & Sandra Ryeom
-
Article
| Open AccessIdentification of dynamic undifferentiated cell states within the male germline
Sustained spermatogenesis depends on stem cell activity which is contained within a population of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Here, the authors identify a new population of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult testis that expresses the transcription factor PDX1 and has stem cell capacity.
- Hue M. La
- , Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- & Robin M. Hobbs
-
Article
| Open AccessQuantitative spatial analysis of haematopoiesis-regulating stromal cells in the bone marrow microenvironment by 3D microscopy
The bone marrow microenvironment modulates haematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Here, the authors use 3D microscopy to map the topography of haematopoietic stem cell niche stromal components.
- Alvaro Gomariz
- , Patrick M. Helbling
- & César Nombela-Arrieta
-
Article
| Open AccessStem cell factor is selectively secreted by arterial endothelial cells in bone marrow
Endothelial cells (EC) are known to contribute to haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance in the bone marrow (BM). Here the authors demonstrate that arterial ECs can be distinguished from sinusoidal ECs by podoplanin and Sca-1 expression, and that specifically arterial, but not sinusoidal ECs maintain HSCs by secreting SCF.
- Chunliang Xu
- , Xin Gao
- & Paul S. Frenette
-
Article
| Open AccessUncovering inherent cellular plasticity of multiciliated ependyma leading to ventricular wall transformation and hydrocephalus
Multiciliated ependymal cells (ECs) in the mammalian brain are glial cells facilitating cerebral spinal fluid movement. This study describes an inherent cellular plasticity of ECs as maintained by Foxj1 and IKK2 signaling, and shows resulting hydrocephalus when EC de-differentiation is triggered.
- Khadar Abdi
- , Chun-Hsiang Lai
- & Chay T. Kuo
-
Article
| Open AccessInduction of muscle stem cell quiescence by the secreted niche factor Oncostatin M
The factors that mediate quiescence of muscle stem cells are unknown. The authors show that Oncostatin M is produced by skeletal muscle, suppresses stem cell proliferation, and that its deletion in muscle results in stem cell depletion and impaired muscle regeneration following injury in mice.
- Srinath C. Sampath
- , Srihari C. Sampath
- & Helen M. Blau
-
Article
| Open AccessIdentification of a neural crest stem cell niche by Spatial Genomic Analysis
Neural crest cells arise within the central nervous system, then migrate and contribute to a variety of cell types. Here, the authors use multiplex transcript analysis at single cell resolution to define neural crest and neural subpopulations within the avian neural tube, including a neural crest stem cell niche.
- Antti Lignell
- , Laura Kerosuo
- & Marianne E. Bronner
-
Article
| Open AccessQuantitative microscopy of the Drosophila ovary shows multiple niche signals specify progenitor cell fate
In the Drosophila ovary, it is unclear how signalling from the stem cell niche regulates follicle precursor cell fate/differentiation. Here, the authors use quantitative microscopy to define the role of Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch signalling in progenitor cells, showing regulation of cell fate and differentiation.
- Wei Dai
- , Amy Peterson
- & Denise J. Montell
-
Article
| Open AccessOdd skipped-related 1 identifies a population of embryonic fibro-adipogenic progenitors regulating myogenesis during limb development
Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) form part of interstitial muscle connective tissue (MCT) in adults but the origin of this non-myogenic lineage is unclear. Here, the authors show that Odd skipped related 1 (Osr1) in mice marks embryonic MCT, giving rise to FAPs, and loss of Osr1 in the limb causes muscle defects.
- Pedro Vallecillo-García
- , Mickael Orgeur
- & Sigmar Stricker
-
Article
| Open AccessMacrophage-released ADAMTS1 promotes muscle stem cell activation
Satellite cells are crucial for growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle. Here the authors show that in response to muscle injury, macrophages secrete Adamts1, which induces satellite cell activation by modulating Notch1 signaling.
- Hongqing Du
- , Chung-Hsuan Shih
- & Brian J. Feldman
-
Article
| Open AccessSingle-cell analyses identify bioengineered niches for enhanced maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells
Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal is not sufficiently understood to recapitulate in vitro. Here, the authors generate gene signature and cell cycle hallmarks of single murine HSCs, and use identified endothelial receptors Esam and JamC as substrates to enhance HSC growth in engineered niches.
- Aline Roch
- , Sonja Giger
- & Matthias P. Lutolf
-
Article
| Open AccessA PPARγ transcriptional cascade directs adipose progenitor cell-niche interaction and niche expansion
Adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) are found tethered to adipose tissue blood vessel walls and can differentiate into adipocytes. Here the authors show that PPARγ controls angiogenesis by stimulating APC–blood vessel interaction and retention via a transcriptional network that includes PDGFRβand VEGF.
- Yuwei Jiang
- , Daniel C. Berry
- & Jonathan M. Graff
-
Article
| Open AccessEngineering the haemogenic niche mitigates endogenous inhibitory signals and controls pluripotent stem cell-derived blood emergence
The derivation of blood progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells is of interest for cell therapy but remains an inefficient process. Here the authors micropattern hPSC-derived haemogenic endothelial (HE) cells into spatially-organized, size-controlled colonies and identify a geometry that achieves increased efficiency in deriving blood cells.
- Nafees Rahman
- , Patrick M. Brauer
- & Peter W. Zandstra
-
Article
| Open AccessMacrophages induce AKT/β-catenin-dependent Lgr5+ stem cell activation and hair follicle regeneration through TNF
Hair can be regenerated after skin wounding. Here the authors show that inflammatory macrophages produce TNF that activates Wnt signalling in hair follicle stem cells to drive this hair regeneration after wound repair in mice.
- Xusheng Wang
- , Haiyan Chen
- & Yaojiong Wu
-
Article
| Open AccessEndothelial-specific inhibition of NF-κB enhances functional haematopoiesis
The complex microenvironmental signalling pathways that govern haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity remain poorly defined. Here, the authors identify endothelial NF-κB signalling as regulating regenerative HSC function, accelerating haematopoietic recovery following myelosuppressive injury in mice.
- Michael G. Poulos
- , Pradeep Ramalingam
- & Jason M. Butler
-
Article
| Open AccessIdentification of a common mesenchymal stromal progenitor for the adult haematopoietic niche
How the environment of the niche regulates haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is unclear. Here, the authors identify a mesenchymal stromal progenitor hierarchy and identify Sca1+ cells as common progenitors for mesenchymal stromal cells in the adult niche that provide a supportive environment for hematopoiesis.
- Xingbin Hu
- , Mayra Garcia
- & Ching-Cheng Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessOsteoclasts control reactivation of dormant myeloma cells by remodelling the endosteal niche
Therapy resistant dormant myeloma cells contribute to disease relapse. Here, the authors use intravital microscopy to track the location of these cells and demonstrate that they hone to the endosteal niche within the bone.
- Michelle A. Lawson
- , Michelle M. McDonald
- & Peter I. Croucher
-
Article |
NACA deficiency reveals the crucial role of somite-derived stromal cells in haematopoietic niche formation
How do stromal cells contribute to the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche? In zebrafish, Murayama et al. identify somite-derived stromal cells in the first niche where HSCs home, and depletion of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex alpha subunit in these cells prevents HSC maturation.
- Emi Murayama
- , Milka Sarris
- & Philippe Herbomel
-
Article |
Generation of a ciliary margin-like stem cell niche from self-organizing human retinal tissue
The ciliary margin of the eye functions as a source of multipotent progenitor cells in certain organisms but whether it plays this role in humans has not been easy to study. Here the authors culture human embryonic stem cells that self-organize into retinal tissue, and show that ciliary margin-like growth zones emerge from the developing human retinal tissue and contain stem cell niches.
- Atsushi Kuwahara
- , Chikafumi Ozone
- & Yoshiki Sasai
-
Article
| Open AccessROW1 maintains quiescent centre identity by confining WOX5 expression to specific cells
The quiescent centre controls stem cell differentiation at the root apical meristem. Here Zhang et al. propose that ROW1 maintains meristem cell identity by repressing expression of the WOX5transcription factor in the proximal meristem zone, thus confining its activity to the quiescent centre.
- Yuzhou Zhang
- , Yue Jiao
- & Yu-Xian Zhu
-
Article
| Open AccessFully functional hair follicle regeneration through the rearrangement of stem cells and their niches
Bioengineered hair follicles can be produced from embryonic follicle germ cells, but whether these follicles can interact with the surrounding tissue and function normally is unknown. Here, bioengineered hair follicles transplanted into mouse dermis make connections with the surrounding tissue and show normal hair cycles.
- Koh-ei Toyoshima
- , Kyosuke Asakawa
- & Takashi Tsuji
-
Article |
Local BMP receptor activation at adherens junctions in the Drosophila germline stem cell niche
Studying the physical interaction of stem cells with their niche has previously been difficult. Using a fluorescence-based reporter, Michelet al. are able to show that bone morphogenetic protein signalling occurs between Drosophilatestes germline stem cells and their niche and is via adherens junctions.
- Marcus Michel
- , Isabel Raabe
- & Christian Bökel