2 research outputs found
Basal lamina remodeling at the skeletal muscle stem cell niche mediates stem cell self-renewal
A central question in stem cell biology is the relationship between stem cells and their niche.
Although previous reports have uncovered how signaling molecules released by niche cells
support stem cell function, the role of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) within the niche is
unclear. Here, we show that upon activation, skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells) induce
local remodeling of the ECM and the deposition of laminin-α1 and laminin-α5 into the basal
lamina of the satellite cell niche. Genetic ablation of laminin-α1, disruption of integrin-α6
signaling or blocking matrix metalloproteinase activity impairs satellite cell expansion and
self-renewal. Collectively, our findings establish that remodeling of the ECM is an integral
process of stem cell activity to support propagation and self-renewal, and may explain the
effect laminin-α1-containing supports have on embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as the
regenerative activity of exogenous laminin-111 therapy