Sensory nerve niche regulates mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis via FGF/mTOR/autophagy axis.
Publication Year:
2023
PubMed ID:
36670126
Funding Grants:
Public Summary:
In our bodies, there are specialized cells called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are important for maintaining the health of various tissues. These cells live in specific environments known as niches, which provide them with support and signals to function properly. One key component of these niches is sensory nerves, which play a crucial role in the well-being of tissues like the skin, bone marrow, and the blood-forming system. However, we don't fully understand how these sensory nerves affect the behavior of MSCs. A recent study has shed light on this relationship, focusing on the continuously growing adult mouse incisor. The researchers discovered that sensory nerves are essential for maintaining the balance and health of mesenchymal tissues and the MSCs within them. When sensory innervation is lost, it disrupts the MSCs and leads to problems in the mesenchymal tissues.The study also uncovered the molecular mechanism behind this process. It turns out that a molecule called FGF1, produced by the sensory nerves, directly interacts with MSCs and activates a cellular pathway crucial for keeping MSCs functioning properly. In summary, this study highlights the vital role of sensory nerves in maintaining the health of mesenchymal stem cells and the tissues they support. Understanding this process may have important implications for future medical research and potential therapies.
Scientific Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside in microenvironments, referred to as niches, which provide structural support and molecular signals. Sensory nerves are niche components in the homeostasis of tissues such as skin, bone marrow and hematopoietic system. However, how the sensory nerve affects the behavior of MSCs remains largely unknown. Here we show that the sensory nerve is vital for mesenchymal tissue homeostasis and maintenance of MSCs in the continuously growing adult mouse incisor. Loss of sensory innervation leads to mesenchymal disorder and a decrease in MSCs. Mechanistically, FGF1 from the sensory nerve directly acts on MSCs by binding to FGFR1 and activates the mTOR/autophagy axis to sustain MSCs. Modulation of mTOR/autophagy restores the MSCs and rescues the mesenchymal tissue disorder of Fgfr1 mutant mice. Collectively, our study provides insights into the role of sensory nerves in the regulation of MSC homeostasis and the mechanism governing it.