Defining the Localization and Molecular Characteristics of Minor Salivary Gland Label-Retaining Cells

April 2014 in “ Stem cells ”

Hongjun Zhang, Keerthi Boddupally, Eve Kandyba, Krzysztof Kobielak, Yibu Chen, Sutao Zu, Rashi Krishnan, Uttam K. Sinha, Agnieszka Kobielak

stem cells minor salivary glands histone2B green fluorescent protein label-retaining cells keratin 5 keratin 8 TGFβ1 BMP signaling tumor-inducing agents low-grade adenoma salivary glands green fluorescent protein LRCs keratin TGF-beta bone morphogenetic protein tumor agents adenoma

Studysummary The researchers reported that minor salivary gland stem cells exhibit stem cell characteristics and respond to tobacco-derived carcinogens, implicating the transforming growth factor beta pathway in their maintenance. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

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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