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The cell fates of intermediate cell population in prostate development
Xiaoyu Zhang1,2, Jian Wang1,2, Wangxin Guo1,3
1Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
Cell Insight
|August 5, 2024
Summary
Prostate intermediate cells possess stem cell potential and can differentiate into basal and luminal cells during development. This discovery sheds light on their crucial role in prostate development and cancer lineage plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Stem cell research
- Prostate cancer research
Background:
- Tissue-specific stem cells influence organ development, regeneration, and cancer.
- Prostate intermediate cells, sharing basal and luminal traits, are observed in pathology and development but their role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize prostate intermediate cells during neonatal development.
- To investigate the stem cell potential and differentiation capacity of these cells.
- To understand their role in prostate development and lineage plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of neonatal urogenital sinus tissue.
- Genetic tracing using enhanced dual-recombinase-mediated systems.
- Organoid formation and cell fate mapping assays.
Main Results:
- Intermediate cells with stem cell potential were identified.
- A decrease in intermediate cell population during prostate development was observed.
- These cells demonstrated bipotential differentiation into basal and luminal lineages.
- A novel transition to neuroendocrine cells from intermediate cells was discovered.
Conclusions:
- Prostate intermediate cells are a critical stem cell population during development.
- They possess bipotential differentiation capacity, contributing to prostate tissue.
- Understanding these cells is key to prostate development and cancer lineage plasticity.
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