Transit amplifying cells coordinate mouse incisor mesenchymal stem cell activation

Nat Commun. 2019 Aug 9;10(1):3596. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11611-0.

Abstract

Stem cells (SCs) receive inductive cues from the surrounding microenvironment and cells. Limited molecular evidence has connected tissue-specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with mesenchymal transit amplifying cells (MTACs). Using mouse incisor as the model, we discover a population of MSCs neibouring to the MTACs and epithelial SCs. With Notch signaling as the key regulator, we disclose molecular proof and lineage tracing evidence showing the distinct MSCs contribute to incisor MTACs and the other mesenchymal cell lineages. MTACs can feedback and regulate the homeostasis and activation of CL-MSCs through Delta-like 1 homolog (Dlk1), which balances MSCs-MTACs number and the lineage differentiation. Dlk1's function on SCs priming and self-renewal depends on its biological forms and its gene expression is under dynamic epigenetic control. Our findings can be validated in clinical samples and applied to accelerate tooth wound healing, providing an intriguing insight of how to direct SCs towards tissue regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Dentin
  • Epigenomics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Incisor / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Animal
  • Molar, Third
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Niche / physiology
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Dlk1 protein, mouse