A GRFa2/Prop1/Stem (GPS) Cell Niche in the Pituitary

摘要: Background The adult endocrine pituitary is known to host several hormone-producing cells regulating major physiological processes during life. Some candidates progenitor/stem have been proposed. However, not much about cell renewal throughout life and its homeostatic regulation specific changes, such as puberty or pregnancy, in pathological conditions tumor development. Principal Findings We identified rodents humans a niche of non-endocrine characterized by the expression GFRa2, Ret co-receptor for Neurturin. These also express b-Catenin E-cadherin an oriented manner suggesting planar polarity organization niche. In addition, uniquely pituitary-specific transcription factor Prop1, well markers Sox2, Sox9 Oct4. Half these GPS (GFRa2/Prop1/Stem) S-100 whereas surrounding elongated contact with Vimentin. GFRa2+-cells form spheroids culture. can be differentiated neurons outlining neuroectoderm potential progenitors. vivo, GPSs display slow proliferation after birth, retain BrdU label show long telomeres nuclei, indicating properties vivo. Significance Our results suggest presence protein Prop1 stem markers. are able produce different neuron-like they may therefore contribute postnatal homeostasis. Indeed, relative abundance numbers altered Cdk4-deficient mice, model hypopituitarism induced lack this cyclin-dependent kinase. Thus, functional relevance expansion gland protection from disease.