Computational modelling of stem cell–niche interactions facilitates discovery of strategies to enhance tissue regeneration and counteract ageing
Creators
- 1. Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- 2. Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, CIBER on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain - Spanish National Center on Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Madrid, Spain - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G2M9 Canada
- 3. Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, CIBER on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain - Spanish National Center on Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Madrid, Spain - ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- 4. Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg - Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg Bizkaia Technology Park, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Spain Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain
Description
Abstract
The stem cell niche is a specialized microenvironment for stem cells in an adult tissue. The niche provides cues for the maintenance and regulation of stem cell activities and thus presents a target for potential rejuvenating strategies. García-Prat et al. found that in the heterogeneous population of quiescent stem cells of skeletal muscles, a fraction of cells responsible for regeneration and having genuine ‘stemness’ properties deteriorates only in extremely old age. An essential tool used in this analysis of stem cell–niche interactions is the computational tool, NicheHotSpotter, which proved to be instrumental for identifying niche and cell signalling factors that contribute to the maintenance of the pool of genuine quiescent stem cells. NicheHotSpotter predicts candidate factors by analysing signalling interactome and gene regulatory network data in combination with expression profiles. The effect of the niche environment on stem cells is modelled as a mean field of niche cues that induce sustained activation or inhibition of signalling pathways. In this way, NicheHotSpotter has been successful in delineating novel strategies to enhance stemness, which may rejuvenate skeletal muscle cells at the extreme old age.
Files
Potapov 2021.pdf
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