Aldh1b1 expression defines progenitor cells in the adult pancreas and is required for Kras-induced pancreatic cancer.

ABSTRACT: The presence of progenitor or stem cells in the adult pancreas and their potential involvement in homeostasis and cancer development remain unresolved issues. Here, we show that mouse centroacinar cells can be identified and isolated by virtue of the mitochondrial enzyme Aldh1b1 that they uniquely express. These cells are necessary and sufficient for the formation of self-renewing adult pancreatic organoids in an Aldh1b1-dependent manner. Aldh1b1-expressing centroacinar cells are largely quiescent, self-renew, and, as shown by genetic lineage tracing, contribute to all 3 pancreatic lineages in the adult organ under homeostatic conditions. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of these cells identified a progenitor cell population, established its molecular signature, and determined distinct

SUBMITTER: Mameishvili E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6789925 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature