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Stem cell specification and niche formation in developing incisor require actomyosin forces
Yasmin Mohtadi Hamadani1, Laura Evers1, Satu-Marja Myllymaki2
1Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich 8032, Switzerland.
Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio)
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Stem cell specification in mouse incisors occurs before niche formation, with an actomyosin network mechanically confining Sox2+ stem cells. Disruption impairs stemness, niche development, and incisor growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Epithelial Biology
Background:
- The precise timing of stem cell specification and niche formation in murine incisor development remains unclear.
- Sox2 marks functional dental epithelial stem cells, but its expression dynamics during early development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between stem cell specification and niche formation in murine incisor development.
- To elucidate the role of mechanical forces in maintaining stemness and guiding stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Genetic lineage tracing using Sox2CreERT2/+; R26RmT/mG and Sox2CreERT2/+; R26RtdT/+ embryos.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing at various stages of incisor development.
- Analysis of the actomyosin network and cellular tension.
Main Results:
- A Sox2-expressing stem cell-like population exists prior to functional niche formation.
- These cells are located at the leading edge of the incisor epithelium and are maintained in an undifferentiated state.
- An actomyosin network generates contractile tension, mechanically confining Sox2+ stem cells and preserving their stemness.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell specification precedes niche formation in murine incisors.
- Mechanical confinement by the actomyosin network is crucial for maintaining stem cell properties until niche establishment.
- Disruption of the actomyosin network leads to impaired stem cell clustering, premature differentiation, and abnormal incisor development.
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