Epithelial-Mesenchymal Micro-Niches Govern Stem Cell Lineage Choices
April 2017
in “
Cell
”
TLDR Different small areas within hair follicles send specific signals that control what type of cells stem cells become.
The study "Epithelial-Mesenchymal Micro-niches Govern Stem Cell Lineage Choices" explored how specific micro-niches within epithelial and mesenchymal tissues influenced stem cell differentiation pathways, particularly in hair follicles. Researchers used techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, and chromatin landscaping to identify seven spatially arranged uni-lineage progenitors within transient amplifying cells (TACs) of mature follicles. They found that these micro-niches provided distinct signals that directed stem cells towards particular lineage choices, impacting tissue regeneration and repair. The study highlighted the importance of the local cellular environment in stem cell biology, revealing that compartmentalizing stem cells into micro-niches allows precise control over morphogenesis and regeneration. The findings suggested potential therapeutic targets for enhancing tissue regeneration and provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating hair follicle stem cell fate and differentiation.
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