Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
03:42
Rapid Dissection and Dissociation of the Mouse Olfactory Epithelium for Single-Nucleus Suspensions
Published on: August 1, 2025
DeltaNp63 regulates stem cell dynamics in the mammalian olfactory epithelium
Adam Packard1, Nikolai Schnittke, Rose-Anne Romano
1Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Summary
The transcription factor p63 is essential for activating reserve stem cells in the olfactory epithelium (OE) after injury. This discovery reveals a novel molecular switch controlling stem cell regeneration in the OE.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The olfactory epithelium (OE) regenerates via globose basal cells (GBCs) and horizontal basal cells (HBCs).
- HBCs are a reserve stem cell population activated by severe injury, but their emergence and activation mechanisms remain unclear.
- GBCs resemble embryonic olfactory progenitors (OPPs), while HBCs are distinct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the transcription factor p63 in HBC differentiation and activation.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying reserve stem cell generation in the OE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of p63 expression in adult and regenerating OE.
- Generation and analysis of p63-null and Ascl1-knockout mice.
- Assessment of OE cell populations and differentiation markers (Sox2, Ascl1, Hes1) via genetic manipulation and tissue lesion models in mice and rats.
Main Results:
- p63 is selectively expressed by adult HBCs and is required for their differentiation.
- HBC formation is impaired in Ascl1 knock-out and abrogated in p63-null mice.
- p63 downregulation in activated HBCs suggests a role in their transition to multipotent progenitors.
Conclusions:
- p63 acts as a crucial regulator for HBC differentiation, initiating the generation of reserve stem cells.
- A p63-dependent molecular switch activates reserve stem cells following OE injury.
- This study uncovers a novel mechanism for reserve stem cell activation and OE regeneration.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
01:26Stem Cell Niche
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...