Tert-expressing cells contribute to salivary gland homeostasis and tissue regeneration after radiation therapy.

ABSTRACT: Salivary gland homeostasis and regeneration after radiotherapy depend significantly on progenitor cells. However, the lineage of submandibular gland (SMG) progenitor cells remains less defined compared with other normal organs. Here, using a mouse strain expressing regulated CreERT2 recombinase from the endogenous Tert locus, we identify a distinct telomerase-expressing (Tert^High) cell population located in the ductal region of the adult SMG. These Tert^High cells contribute to ductal cell generation during SMG homeostasis and to both ductal and acinar cell renewal 1 year after radiotherapy. Tert^High cells maintain self-renewal capacity during in vitro culture, exhibit resistance to radiation damage, and demonstrate enhanced proliferative activity after radi

SUBMITTER: Guan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11293384 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature