Blimp1+ cells generate functional mouse sebaceous gland organoids in vitro

Nat Commun. 2019 May 28;10(1):2348. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10261-6.

Abstract

Most studies on the skin focus primarily on the hair follicle and interfollicular epidermis, whereas little is known regarding the homeostasis of the sebaceous gland (SG). The SG has been proposed to be replenished by different pools of hair follicle stem cells and cells that resides in the SG base, marked by Blimp1. Here, we demonstrate that single Blimp1+ cells isolated from mice have the potential to generate SG organoids in vitro. Mimicking SG homeostasis, the outer layer of these organoids is composed of proliferating cells that migrate inward, undergo terminal differentiation and generating lipid-filled sebocytes. Performing confocal microscopy and mass-spectrometry, we report that these organoids exhibit known markers and a lipidomic profile similar to SGs in vivo. Furthermore, we identify a role for c-Myc in sebocyte proliferation and differentiation, and determine that SG organoids can serve as a platform for studying initial stages of acne vulgaris, making this a useful platform to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Epidermis / metabolism
  • Epidermis / ultrastructure
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Organoids / metabolism*
  • Organoids / ultrastructure
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1 / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • Sebaceous Glands / metabolism*
  • Sebaceous Glands / ultrastructure
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • Myc protein, mouse
  • Prdm1 protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1