Journal of Cell Science 116, e601-e601 (2003)
Copyright © 2003 The Company of Biologists Limited
Modelling stem cell niches
Stem cell niches are the microenvironments in which stem cells are produced
and maintained. To capitalize on the potential therapeutic benefits of stem
cells, we must define how they interact with their microenvironments and the
regulatory mechanisms that govern their proliferation and differentiation. The
Drosophila ovary germarium, in which female germline stem cells
(GSCs) reside, is proving to be a valuable model system for characterizing
such interactions. In a Commentary on p.
949, Acaimo González-Reyes reviews our understanding of the
biology of this particular niche, focusing on work revealing the importance of
cadherin adhesion molecules. Somatic `cap' cells in the niche release the
TGF
-family protein DPP, which regulates GSC proliferation and
differentiation. The architecture of the niche, however, appears to depend on
DE-cadherin-mediated cell sorting. Studies of mosaic germaria
containing wild-type GSCs and cadherin-mutant GSCs, for example, indicate that
the presence of this cadherin on the GSCs allows them to adhere to the cap
cells through formation of adherens junctions. This anchors them in the niche,
where the microenvironment sustains their capacity to self-renew and divide
asymmetrically.
Related articles in JCS:
- Stem cells, niches and cadherins: a view from Drosophila
- Acaimo González-Reyes
JCS 2003 116: 949-954.
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