Wnt/BMP Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Preserves Multipotency of Neural Crest-Like Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT: Neural crest-like stem cells resembling embryonic neural crest cells (NCs) can be derived from adult human tissues such as the epidermis. However, these cells lose their multipotency rapidly in culture limiting their expansion for clinical use. Here, we show that the multipotency of keratinocyte-derived NCs (KC-NCs) can be preserved by activating the Wnt and BMP signaling axis, promoting expression of key NC-specifier genes and ultimately enhancing their differentiation potential. We also show that transcriptional changes leading to multipotency are linked to metabolic reprogramming of KC-NCs to a highly glycolytic state. Specifically, KC-NCs treated with CHIR and BMP2 rely almost exclusively on glycolysis for their energy needs, as seen by increased lactate production, glucose uptake, and

SUBMITTER: Mehrotra P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10020983 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature