Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
06:11
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo Protocol for Culturing Quiescent Muscle Stem Cells with Niche Components
Published on: June 2, 2023
1.8K
Growth Plate Skeletal Stem Cells and Their Actions Within the Stem Cell Niche
Natalie Kiat-Amnuay Cheng1, Shion Orikasa1, Noriaki Ono1
1Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Houston, TX 77054, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Growth plate skeletal stem cells (gpSSCs) are crucial for bone lengthening. This review details their identity, niche interactions, and regulation, highlighting their adaptive mechanisms for sustained growth plate function.
Area of Science:
- Skeletal Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The growth plate is a specialized cartilage structure essential for longitudinal bone growth.
- Growth plate skeletal stem cells (gpSSCs) reside in the resting zone and exhibit self-renewal and multilineage differentiation.
- gpSSCs are characterized by specific markers like PTHrP, CD73, Axin2, FoxA2, and ApoE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of gpSSC identity, behavior, and regulation.
- To explore the intricate interactions between gpSSCs and their niche.
- To elucidate how gpSSCs adapt to biomechanical and molecular cues to maintain growth plate function.
Main Methods:
- Cell-lineage tracing studies.
- Single-cell transcriptomics analysis.
- In vivo functional studies.
Main Results:
- Identification of distinct gpSSC subpopulations based on specific markers.
- Elucidation of stage-specific regulatory mechanisms involving key signaling pathways.
- Understanding of gpSSC interactions with their niche, particularly post-secondary ossification center formation.
Conclusions:
- gpSSCs are dynamic and essential for sustained longitudinal bone growth.
- Their identity, behavior, and regulation are complex and involve intricate niche interactions.
- gpSSCs adapt to environmental cues to maintain growth plate function throughout development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Stem Cell Niche
6.2K
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...
6.2K
01:06Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
4.2K
A hair follicle or HF is a small part of the skin that produces the hair shaft. Paul Gerson Unna was the first to observe a bulge in the human hair follicle's outer root sheath (ORS). The bulge is present between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle and is the niche for hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The bulge is also a niche for melanocyte stem cells, and their loss results in graying of hair. The HFSCs express Sox9 and Lhx2, which help them maintain stemness and prevent...
4.2K
01:19Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
3.8K
The hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate and give rise to all blood and immune cells. HSCs are maintained in the quiescent stage until an external stimulus initiates their differentiation. The multipotent HSCs exist as two heterogeneous populations, long-term repopulating cells (LTRC) and short-term repopulating cells (STRC). The two HSC populations have different surface markers or receptors and are classified based on quiescence and long-term...
3.8K
01:17Stem Cell Culture
6.0K
Stem cell research aims to find ways to use stem cells to regenerate and repair cellular damage. Over time, most adult cells undergo the wear and tear of aging and lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. Stem cells do not display a particular morphology or function. Adult stem cells, which exist as a small subset of cells in most tissues, keep dividing and can differentiate into a number of specialized cells generally formed by that tissue. These cells enable the body to renew and...
6.0K
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
3.1K
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
3.1K
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
3.9K
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
3.9K