A GRFa2/Prop1/stem (GPS) cell niche in the pituitary.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The adult endocrine pituitary is known to host several hormone-producing cells regulating major physiological processes during life. Some candidates to progenitor/stem cells have been proposed. However, not much is known about pituitary cell renewal throughout life and its homeostatic regulation during specific physiological changes, such as puberty or pregnancy, or in pathological conditions such as tumor development.

Principal findings

We have identified in rodents and humans a niche of non-endocrine cells characterized by the expression of GFRa2, a Ret co-receptor for Neurturin. These cells also express b-Catenin and E-cadherin in an oriented manner suggesting a planar polarity organization for the niche. In addition, cells in the niche uniquely express the pit

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Lavandeira M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2654029 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature