Interfollicular epidermal stem cells self-renew via autocrine Wnt signaling.
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 04/06/2014 - 04:35
Title | Interfollicular epidermal stem cells self-renew via autocrine Wnt signaling. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Lim X, Tan SH, Koh WL, Chau RM, Yan KS, Kuo CJ, van Amerongen R, Klein AM, Nusse R |
Journal | Science (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 342 |
Issue | 6163 |
Pagination | 1226-30 |
Date Published | 2013 Dec 6 |
ISSN | 0036-8075 |
Abstract | The skin is a classical example of a tissue maintained by stem cells. However, the identity of the stem cells that maintain the interfollicular epidermis and the source of the signals that control their activity remain unclear. Using mouse lineage tracing and quantitative clonal analyses, we showed that the Wnt target gene Axin2 marks interfollicular epidermal stem cells. These Axin2-expressing cells constitute the majority of the basal epidermal layer, compete neutrally, and require Wnt/β-catenin signaling to proliferate. The same cells contribute robustly to wound healing, with no requirement for a quiescent stem cell subpopulation. By means of double-labeling RNA in situ hybridization in mice, we showed that the Axin2-expressing cells themselves produce Wnt signals as well as long-range secreted Wnt inhibitors, suggesting an autocrine mechanism of stem cell self-renewal. |
URL | http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=24311688 |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1239730 |
Short Title | Science |