Wnt-Responsive Lgr5+ Globose Basal Cells Function as Multipotent Olfactory Epithelium Progenitor Cells

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0240-14.2014
• Publication Date: 2014-06-11T16:46:59Z
• Authors: M. Chen; S. Tian; X. Yang; A. P. Lane; R. R. Reed; H. Liu
• Keywords: Olfactory mucosa; Olfactory marker protein; Olfactory ensheathing glia; Multipotent Stem Cell

Persistent neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium provides a unique model to study neural stem cell self-renewal and fate determination. In neuroepithelium, globose basal cells (GBCs) are considered be direct progenitors of neurons. However, from GBCs has been impeded by paucity GBC-specific markers. Here we report that Lgr5, recently discovered adult marker, is exclusively expressed neonatal mice. Lgr5⁺ display characteristics cycling cells, including Ki67 expression EdU incorporation. Lineage tracing analysis demonstrates regenerate multiple types under normal turnover condition or after lesion. Furthermore, upregulation downregulation Wnt signaling <i>in vivo</i> indicates key role not only maintaining proliferation promoting neuroregeneration, but also delaying sensory neuron maturation. Together, our observations provided new insights into dynamics epithelium.