Mediator kinase inhibition drives myometrial stem cell differentiation and the uterine fibroid phenotype through super-enhancer reprogramming.

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common non-cutaneous tumors in women worldwide. UFs arise from genetic alterations in myometrial stem cells (MM SCs) that trigger their transformation into tumor initiating cells (UF SCs). Mutations in the RNA polymerase II Mediator subunit MED12 are dominant drivers of UFs, accounting for 70% of these clinically significant lesions.

Dynamic control of adipose tissue development and adult tissue homeostasis by platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha.

Adipocytes arise from distinct progenitor populations during developmental and adult stages but little is known about how developmental progenitors differ from adult progenitors. Here, we investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) in the divergent regulation of the two different adipose progenitor cells (APCs). Using in vivo adipose lineage tracking and deletion mouse models, we found that developmental PDGFRα+ cells are adipogenic and differentiated into mature adipocytes, and the deletion of in developmental adipose lineage disrupted white adipose tissue (WAT) formation.

Adipose stem cells in obesity: challenges and opportunities.

Adipose tissue, the storage of excessive energy in the body, secretes various proteins called adipokines, which connect the body's nutritional status to the regulation of energy balance. Obesity triggers alterations of quantity and quality of various types of cells that reside in adipose tissue, including adipose stem cells (ASCs; referred to as adipose-derived stem/stromal cells in vitro). These alterations in the functionalities and properties of ASCs impair adipose tissue remodeling and adipose tissue function, which induces low-grade systemic inflammation, progressive insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders.