Tissue compartmentalization and distinct stem cell behavior underlie epidermal homeostasis

ABSTRACT: Long-term tissue homeostasis is governed by balanced contribution from adult stem cells. We recently identified Lrig1 as a marker of stem cells in mouse epidermis. Here, we show that Lrig1 expressing cells are molecularly and functionally distinct from previously characterized epidermal stem cell populations. During steady state homeostasis, Lrig1 expressing cells are responsible for the maintenance of the uppermost compartment of the pilosebaceous unit known as the infundibulum. Lineage tracing demonstrates that the epidermis is divided into discrete compartments during homeostasis, each maintained by its own resident stem cells. Compartment boundaries are rapidly broken when stem cell progeny are recruited to sites of injury, where they subsequently change behavior according to the environment. Oncogene activation in Lrig1 expressing cells alters proliferation but auxiliary stimuli are required for rapid tumor growth. Our data demonstrate that stem cell niches are compartmentalized according to altering requirements for tissue replenishment.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Patrick Lombard 

PROVIDER: E-MTAB-1606 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress