A groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of Toronto reveals that a specific type of cell, known as neural crest stem cells, is the hidden powerhouse behind the phenomenon of cellular reprogramming. Found in various body tissues, including the skin, these remarkable cells are the true origin of the transformed neurons observed in previous studies.
“Our hypothesis centered around the idea that most instances of cell reprogramming stemmed from rare, multi-potential stem cells scattered throughout the body, residing dormant within mature cell populations,” explains Justin Belair-Hickey, lead author of the study and a graduate student at the university’s renowned Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. “The inefficiency of cellular reprogramming had long been a puzzle, and our research sheds light on this enigma by demonstrating that the neural crest stem cell is one of the few stem cells capable of generating the desired reprogrammed cell type.”
The findings of this study have been published in the prestigious journal Stem Cell Reports.
Neural crest cells, nestled beneath hair follicles in the skin, are genetically predisposed to develop into neurons. This isn’t surprising considering that many skin cell types share the same embryological origin as neurons – the ectodermal germ layer, the outermost layer of cells formed during early embryonic development.
Driven by a desire to understand how experimental data from cell reprogramming research is interpreted in terms of cellular identity, the team embarked on this investigation. They questioned the prevailing theories about the ability of mature cells from one embryonic layer to be directly reprogrammed into mature cells of another layer, even though these layers have distinct developmental pathways. Their hypothesis proposed that cellular reprogramming can only occur from a stem cell to a mature cell within the same embryonic layer.
“We believe that claims of direct reprogramming are often overstated or misinterpreted,” asserts Belair-Hickey. “While it may appear that skin cells can be directly transformed into neurons, we’ve uncovered a more nuanced reality. What we’ve truly discovered are stem cells within the skin, originating from the brain itself.”
The widespread presence of neural crest stem cells throughout the body, including the skin, bone, and connective tissues, coupled with their capacity to differentiate into numerous cell types and ease of access within the skin for harvesting, positions them as highly promising candidates for stem cell transplantation therapies aimed at treating various diseases.
“Neural crest stem cells may have evaded detection by researchers studying cellular reprogramming due to their rarity, despite being dispersed throughout the body,” suggests Derek van der Kooy, the study’s principal investigator and professor of molecular genetics at both the Donnelly Centre and the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. “They may have been mistakenly identified as mature cells from various tissues capable of being reprogrammed into other cell types. Our discovery shines a spotlight on a unique group of stem cells that hold immense potential for unlocking the true capabilities of cell reprogramming.”
This research received support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Krembil Foundation, and Medicine by Design.
Article Title
Neural crest precursors from the skin are the primary source of directly reprogrammed neurons
Article Publication Date
31-Oct-2024
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Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Justin Belair-Hickey, a graduate student from the University of Toronto’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. Justin, thank you for joining us today.
Justin Belair-Hickey: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss our research.
Interviewer: Your recent study has revealed fascinating insights into neural crest stem cells as key players in cellular reprogramming. Could you begin by explaining what neural crest stem cells are and why they are integral to this process?
Justin Belair-Hickey: Absolutely! Neural crest stem cells are a specific type of stem cell found in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin. What’s intriguing about them is their embryological origin; they arise from the ectodermal germ layer, the same layer that gives rise to neurons. Our research shows that these cells have unique capabilities in generating reprogrammed cells, which has been the missing puzzle piece in understanding why many direct reprogramming efforts weren’t very efficient.
Interviewer: That’s really intriguing! You mentioned that your team’s hypothesis challenged conventional theories regarding cellular reprogramming. Could you elaborate on that?
Justin Belair-Hickey: Sure! Traditionally, it was thought that mature cells could be directly reprogrammed into different types by bypassing their embryonic origins. However, our research suggests that direct reprogramming is a misinterpretation. Instead, we propose that reprogramming only occurs from a stem cell to a mature cell within the same embryonic layer. This approach means that skin cells aren’t transforming directly into neurons; rather, it’s the neural crest stem cells in the skin that act as the mediators in this process.
Interviewer: That certainly shifts the perspective on how we understand the process of cellular transformation. What implications do you see this having for future research or therapies?
Justin Belair-Hickey: The implications are significant! Because neural crest stem cells are present throughout the body and can differentiate into various cell types, they are ideal candidates for stem cell transplantation therapies. This opens new avenues for treating diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders, where we might use these cells to enhance or regenerate neuronal function.
Interviewer: That’s incredibly exciting and could potentially lead to groundbreaking treatments. You also noted the rarity of these cells may have contributed to their overlooked status in current research. What do you think the next steps should be for researchers in this field?
Justin Belair-Hickey: Moving forward, I think researchers need to focus on improving techniques for identifying and isolating neural crest stem cells. Understanding their biology and potential for differentiation further will help unlock their therapeutic potential. We also need to reassess previous studies in light of our findings to ensure the understanding of cellular reprogramming is accurate.
Interviewer: It sounds like there’s a lot of potential for future discoveries. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your team’s findings or the direction of your work?
Justin Belair-Hickey: I’d just like to emphasize the importance of collaboration in research. This study is part of a larger effort to challenge existing narratives in cellular biology. By working together and sharing insights, we can advance our understanding of these complex processes and, ultimately, improve human health.
Interviewer: Thank you, Justin, for sharing these insights with us. Your work not only sheds light on the biology of stem cells but also opens the door to innovative therapies that might change lives. We look forward to seeing where your research leads next!
Justin Belair-Hickey: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.