Title: Heterogeneity within Stratified Epithelial Stem Cell Populations Maintains the Oral Mucosa in Response to Physiological Stress.

Authors: Byrd, Kevin M; Piehl, Natalie C; Patel, Jeet H; Huh, Won Jae; Sequeira, Inês; Lough, Kendall J; Wagner, Bethany L; Marangoni, Pauline; Watt, Fiona M; Klein, Ophir D; Coffey, Robert J; Williams, Scott E

Published In Cell Stem Cell, (2019 12 05)

Abstract: Stem cells in stratified epithelia are generally believed to adhere to a non-hierarchical single-progenitor model. Using lineage tracing and genetic label-retention assays, we show that the hard palatal epithelium of the oral cavity is unique in displaying marked proliferative heterogeneity. We identify a previously uncharacterized, infrequently-dividing stem cell population that resides within a candidate niche, the junctional zone (JZ). JZ stem cells tend to self-renew by planar symmetric divisions, respond to masticatory stresses, and promote wound healing, whereas frequently-dividing cells reside outside the JZ, preferentially renew through perpendicular asymmetric divisions, and are less responsive to injury. LRIG1 is enriched in the infrequently-dividing population in homeostasis, dynamically changes expression in response to tissue stresses, and promotes quiescence, whereas Igfbp5 preferentially labels a rapidly-growing, differentiation-prone population. These studies establish the oral mucosa as an important model system to study epithelial stem cell populations and how they respond to tissue stresses.

PubMed ID: 31809739

MeSH Terms: No MeSH terms associated with this publication