Single cell transcriptome profiling of Lrig1 quiescent stem cell populations
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ABSTRACT: Identifying progenitor cells in laryngeal and vocal fold (VF) mucosa is essential for advancing stem cell-based tissue engineering and therapies for treatment of VF diseases. In this study, we used the Lrig1 gene as a marker for tissue-resident stem cells within murine laryngeal and VF mucosa. We show that Lrig1⁺ cells exhibited hallmark features of quiescent stem cells: slow-cycling, persistence and differentiation potential. Transcriptionally, they suppress transcription of cell type–specific genes and proliferation, while activating a global transcriptional program related to RNA metabolism, epigenetic regulation and protein ubiquitination – supporting quiescence and readiness for activation. Lrig1+ cells were enriched in basal, parabasal, and immature secretory populations and were spatially shielded from direct stress exposure to prevent their premature or chronic mobilization. Notably, we detected analogous Lrig1-expressing cells in human laryngeal and VF tissues, emphasizing the translational relevance of our findings. To investigate how Lrig1⁺ cell quiescence is regulated, we conditionally deleted Notch1, leading to epithelial hyperplasia, expansion of secretory cell populations, and mucus hyperproduction. In summary, Lrig1 marks a conserved, quiescent stem cell population in the larynx and VFs, with quiescence maintained through Notch1 signaling.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE298629 | GEO | 2025/11/26
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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