Ptch2 is a Potential Regulator of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Modulating Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics in CD133+ Melanoma Cells through Hif1α, KLF4, and SHH Silencing

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, partly driven by a subset of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with remarkable capacities for self-renewal, differentiation, and resistance to therapy. In this study, we examined how silencing three key genes-Hif1α, KLF4, and SHH-affects CSC characteristics. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based approaches, we observed significant changes at both the gene and protein levels, shedding light on how these pathways influence melanoma progression. Our results demonstrated that silencing these genes reduces the stem-like features of CSCs. Notably, Hif1α silencing triggered a marked decrease in hypoxia-related gene expression, while targeting SHH led to a reduction in Gli1, a downstream effector of SHH signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. We also observed changes in epigenetic markers such as HDAC9 and EP300, which play crucial roles in maintaining stemness and regulating gene expression. Interestingly, these interventions appeared to reprogram CSCs, pushing them toward a phenotype distinct from both traditional CSCs and non-stem cancer cells (NCSCs). Our findings emphasize the importance of targeting key signaling pathways in melanoma CSCs and underscore the value of mimicking the tumor microenvironment in experimental models. By revealing the dynamic plasticity of melanoma CSCs, this study offers fresh insights into potential therapeutic strategies, particularly using siRNA to modulate pathways associated with tumor progression and stem cell behavior.

ARID1B maintains mesenchymal stem cell quiescence via inhibition of BCL11B-mediated non-canonical Activin signaling

ARID1B haploinsufficiency in humans causes Coffin-Siris syndrome, associated with developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, and intellectual disability. The role of ARID1B has been widely studied in neuronal development, but whether it also regulates stem cells remains unknown. Here, we employ scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq to dissect the regulatory functions and mechanisms of ARID1B within mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using the mouse incisor model. We reveal that loss of Arid1b in the GLI1+ MSC lineage disturbs MSCs' quiescence and leads to their proliferation due to the ectopic activation of non-canonical Activin signaling via p-ERK. Furthermore, loss of Arid1b upregulates Bcl11b, which encodes a BAF complex subunit that modulates non-canonical Activin signaling by directly regulating the expression of activin A subunit, Inhba. Reduction of Bcl11b or non-canonical Activin signaling restores the MSC population in Arid1b mutant mice. Notably, we have identified that ARID1B suppresses Bcl11b expression via specific binding to its third intron, unveiling the direct inter-regulatory interactions among BAF subunits in MSCs. Our results demonstrate the vital role of ARID1B as an epigenetic modifier in maintaining MSC homeostasis and reveal its intricate mechanistic regulatory network in vivo, providing novel insights into the linkage between chromatin remodeling and stem cell fate determination.

Rodent incisor as a model to study mesenchymal stem cells in tissue homeostasis and repair

The homeostasis of adult tissues, such as skin, hair, blood, and bone, requires continuous generation of differentiated progeny of stem cells. The rodent incisor undergoes constant renewal and can provide an extraordinary model for studying stem cells and their progeny in adult tissue homeostasis, cell differentiation and injury-induced regeneration. Meanwhile, cellular heterogeneity in the mouse incisor also provides an opportunity to study cell-cell communication between different cell types, including interactions between stem cells and their niche environment. More importantly, the molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms revealed by the mouse incisor have broad implications for other organs. Here we review recent findings and advances using the mouse incisor as a model, including perspectives on the heterogeneity of cells in the mesenchyme, the niche environment, and signaling networks that regulate stem cell behavior. The progress from this field will not only expand the knowledge of stem cells and organogenesis, but also bridge a gap between animal models and tissue regeneration.

Effect of monosultap on notochord development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Monosultap (Mon) is a broad-spectrum insecticide used in agricultural production to control stem borers in rice fields. Currently, little evidence shows how Mon affects notochord development in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In our study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/L Mon to determine the effects of different concentrations of Mon on notochord development. Mon exposure reduced the body length, decreased the heart rate and hatchability, and induced notochord deformity in zebrafish. The effects of Mon exposure on the internal organization of the notochord and the structural abnormalities were determined based on histological staining of paraffinized tissue sections. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and in situ hybridization findings revealed that the expression levels of genes related to notochord development (shha, col2a, and ptch2) showed an increasing trend in a concentration-dependent manner. An abnormal increase of apoptosis and cell proliferation in some parts of the notochord suggested that Mon exposure could cause developmental abnormality of the notochord. This study revealed the toxicity of Mon in notochord development. Our findings provide information in assessing the risk of Mon to the ecological environment and human health.