TLDR The study found stem cells in minor salivary glands that can differentiate and are involved in tumor formation when exposed to tobacco.
The study identified and characterized stem cells in minor salivary glands (SGs) by using a histone2B green fluorescent protein pulse chase strategy to locate slow-cycling, label-retaining cells (LRCs). These LRCs were found primarily in the basal layer of the lower excretory duct and occasionally in the acini. The LRCs demonstrated the ability to differentiate into structures expressing keratin 5 and keratin 8, indicating their stem cell potential. Transcriptional analysis showed that these cells activate TGFβ1 target genes and BMP signaling, which are important in stem cell maintenance. Additionally, the study found that these salivary gland stem cells are susceptible to tobacco-related tumor-inducing agents, leading to tumor formation similar to low-grade adenoma. This research provides the first evidence of stem cell characteristics in minor SG LRCs and the importance of the TGFβ pathway in their regulation.
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