Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Unlabelled: We have previously identified alveolar type II cell as the cell-of-origin of KrasG12D-induced lung adenocarcinoma using cell lineage-specific inducible Cre mouse models. Using gain-of-function and loss-of-function genetic models, we discovered that active Notch signaling and low Sox2 levels dictate the ability of type II cells to proliferate and progress into lung adenocarcinoma upon KrasG12D activation. Here, we examine the phenotype of type II cells after Kras activation and find evidence for proliferation of cells that coexpress type I and type II markers.

Signalling by senescent melanocytes hyperactivates hair growth.

Niche signals maintain stem cells in a prolonged quiescence or transiently activate them for proper regeneration. Altering balanced niche signalling can lead to regenerative disorders. Melanocytic skin nevi in human often display excessive hair growth, suggesting hair stem cell hyperactivity.

Lgr5 Marks Neural Crest Derived Multipotent Oral Stromal Stem Cells.

It has been suggested that multipotent stem cells with neural crest (NC) origin persist into adulthood in oral mucosa. However their exact localization and role in normal homeostasis is unknown. In this study, we discovered that Lgr5 is expressed in NC cells during embryonic development, which give rise to the dormant stem cells in the adult tongue and oral mucosa.