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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
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Pituitary stem cell regulation: who is pulling the strings?
Benoit Cox1, Heleen Roose1, Annelies Vennekens1
1Department of Development and RegenerationCluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Unit of Stem Cell Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|June 16, 2017
Summary
Pituitary stem cells utilize embryonic developmental pathways like NOTCH and WNT for growth and repair. Understanding these pathways offers insights into pituitary gland homeostasis and potential regenerative therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The pituitary gland is crucial for endocrine regulation, housing quiescent stem cells.
- Pituitary stem cells activate during growth, stress, injury, and tumor formation.
- Regulation of pituitary stem cells remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on embryonic developmental pathways in pituitary stem/progenitor cells.
- To explore the role of these pathways in pituitary homeostasis and activation.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for pituitary disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on NOTCH, WNT, SHH, Hippo pathways, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
- Analysis of gene expression in pituitary stem/progenitor cells across different life stages (embryonic, neonatal, adult).
Main Results:
- The 'big five' embryonic pathways are reiterated in postnatal pituitary stem cells.
- These pathways are reactivated during physiological and pathological pituitary remodeling.
- Expression analyses provide a foundation, but functional data is limited.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic developmental pathways are critical regulators of pituitary stem cell behavior.
- Further research into these molecular networks is essential for understanding pituitary function and disease.
- This knowledge may inform regenerative strategies for pituitary deficiency and tumors.
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