Spatial organization within a niche as a determinant of stem-cell fate

Nature. 2013 Oct 24;502(7472):513-8. doi: 10.1038/nature12602. Epub 2013 Oct 6.

Abstract

Stem-cell niches in mammalian tissues are often heterogeneous and compartmentalized; however, whether distinct niche locations determine different stem-cell fates remains unclear. To test this hypothesis, here we use the mouse hair follicle niche and combine intravital microscopy with genetic lineage tracing to re-visit the same stem-cell lineages, from their exact place of origin, throughout regeneration in live mice. Using this method, we show directly that the position of a stem cell within the hair follicle niche can predict whether it is likely to remain uncommitted, generate precursors or commit to a differentiated fate. Furthermore, using laser ablation we demonstrate that hair follicle stem cells are dispensable for regeneration, and that epithelial cells, which do not normally participate in hair growth, re-populate the lost stem-cell compartment and sustain hair regeneration. This study provides a general model for niche-induced fate determination in adult tissues.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Hair Follicle / cytology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Regeneration
  • Stem Cell Niche*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*