Dataset Information

BMP signaling mediates stem/progenitor cell-induced retina regeneration.

ABSTRACT: We identified a mechanism whereby retina regeneration in the embryonic chick can be induced by the contribution of stem/progenitor cells. We show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is sufficient and necessary to induce retina regeneration and that its action can be divided into two phases. By 3 days after postretinectomy (d PR), the BMP pathway directs proliferation and regeneration through the activation of Smad (canonical BMP pathway) and the up-regulation of FGF signaling by the MAPK pathway. By 7d PR, it induces apoptosis by activating p38 (a noncanonical BMP pathway) and down-regulating FGF signaling (by both MAPK and AKT pathways). Apoptosis at this later stage can be prevented, and BMP-induced regeneration can be further induced by inhibition of p38. These results unravel a mechanism for stem/progenitor cell-mediated retina regeneration, where BMP activation establishes a cross-talk with the FGF pathway and selectively activates the canonical and noncanonical BMP pathways. Retina stem/progenitor cells exist in other species, including humans. Thus, our findings provide insights on how retinal stem cells can be activated for possible regenerative therapies.

SUBMITTER: Haynes T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2154439 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:In the age of stem cell engineering it is critical to understand how stem cell activity is regulated during regeneration. Hairs are mini-organs that undergo cyclic regeneration throughout adult life, and are an important model for organ regeneration. Hair stem cells located in the follicle bulge are regulated by the surrounding microenvironment, or niche. The activation of such stem cells is cyclic, involving periodic beta-catenin activity. In the adult mouse, regeneration occurs in waves in a follicle population, implying coordination among adjacent follicles and the extrafollicular environment. Here we show that unexpected periodic expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) and Bmp4 in the dermis regulates this process. This BMP cycle is out of phase with the WNT/beta-catenin cycle, thus dividing the conventional telogen into new functional phases: one refractory and the other competent for hair regeneration, characterized by high and low BMP signalling, respectively. Overexpression of noggin, a BMP antagonist, in mouse skin resulted in a markedly shortened refractory phase and faster propagation of the regenerative wave. Transplantation of skin from this mutant onto a wild-type host showed that follicles in donor and host can affect their cycling behaviours mutually, with the outcome depending on the equilibrium of BMP activity in the dermis. Administration of BMP4 protein caused the competent region to become refractory. These results show that BMPs may be the long-sought 'chalone' inhibitors of hair growth postulated by classical experiments. Taken together, results presented in this study provide an example of hierarchical regulation of local organ stem cell homeostasis by the inter-organ macroenvironment. The expression of Bmp2 in subcutaneous adipocytes indicates physiological integration between these two thermo-regulatory organs. Our findings have practical importance for studies using mouse skin as a model for carcinogenesis, intra-cutaneous drug delivery and stem cell engineering studies, because they highlight the acute need to differentiate supportive versus inhibitory regions in the host skin.

Dataset Information

BMP signaling mediates stem/progenitor cell-induced retina regeneration.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets