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Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology
Published on: February 25, 2022
A GRFa2/Prop1/stem (GPS) cell niche in the pituitary.
Montse Garcia-Lavandeira1, Víctor Quereda, Ignacio Flores
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Plos One
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Researchers discovered a new stem cell niche in the adult pituitary gland. These GPS (GFRa2/Prop1/Stem) cells can generate various pituitary cell types, aiding in gland homeostasis and potentially protecting against pituitary diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The adult pituitary gland contains hormone-producing cells crucial for physiological regulation.
- Knowledge regarding pituitary cell renewal and its regulation during physiological changes or disease is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize progenitor/stem cells in the adult pituitary.
- To understand the role of these cells in pituitary homeostasis and disease.
Main Methods:
- Identification of non-endocrine cells expressing GFRa2, β-Catenin, E-cadherin, Prop1, Sox2, Sox9, and Oct4 in rodents and humans.
- In vitro culture of GFRa2+ cells to assess differentiation potential.
- In vivo analysis of cell proliferation, BrdU retention, and telomere length.
Main Results:
- A novel niche of GPS (GFRa2/Prop1/Stem) cells was identified in the adult pituitary.
- These cells exhibit stem cell markers and planar polarity organization.
- GPS cells in culture can differentiate into hormone-producing cells and neurons.
- In vivo, GPS cells show characteristics of long-lived progenitor cells.
Conclusions:
- The identified GPS cells represent a progenitor/stem cell population in the adult pituitary.
- These cells contribute to postnatal pituitary homeostasis and may play a role in pituitary gland expansion.
- Alterations in GPS cell numbers are observed in hypopituitarism models, suggesting functional relevance in pituitary disease.
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