Distinct Spatiotemporally Dynamic Wnt-Secreting Niches Regulate Proximal Airway Regeneration and Aging

Cody J. Aros, Preethi Vijayaraj, Carla J. Pantoja, Bharti Bisht, Luisa K. Meneses, Jenna M. Sandlin, Jonathan A. Tse, Michelle W. Chen, Arunima Purkayastha, David W. Shia, Jennifer M.S. Sucre, Tammy M. Rickabaugh, Eszter K. Vladar, Manash K. Paul*, Brigitte N. Gomperts*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Our understanding of dynamic interactions between airway basal stem cells (ABSCs) and their signaling niches in homeostasis, injury, and aging remains elusive. Using transgenic mice and pharmacologic studies, we found that Wnt/β-catenin within ABSCs was essential for proliferation post-injury in vivo. ABSC-derived Wnt ligand production was dispensable for epithelial proliferation. Instead, the PDGFRα+ lineage in the intercartilaginous zone (ICZ) niche transiently secreted Wnt ligand necessary for ABSC proliferation. Strikingly, ABSC-derived Wnt ligand later drove early progenitor differentiation to ciliated cells. We discovered additional changes in aging, as glandular-like epithelial invaginations (GLEIs) derived from ABSCs emerged exclusively in the ICZ of aged mice and contributed to airway homeostasis and repair. Further, ABSC Wnt ligand secretion was necessary for GLEI formation, and constitutive activation of β-catenin in young mice induced their formation in vivo. Collectively, these data underscore multiple spatiotemporally dynamic Wnt-secreting niches that regulate functionally distinct phases of airway regeneration and aging.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)413-429.e4
JournalCell Stem Cell
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03-09-2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

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