Stem Cells maintenance

Stem cells are capable of both generating identical progeny, and producing transient amplifying cells (TA-cells) committed to differentiate. Regulation of the number of stem cells, TA-cells and differentiated cells is a crucial problem in multicellular organisms. Indeed, tissues and organs in the embryo and in the adult rely heavily on homeostasis, where, as cells die accidentally or naturally, they are replenished. Defects in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation may lead to lineage disappearance or cancer. Many of the features that govern the behavior of stem cells remain unknown. Our research is directed towards understanding what drives stem cell emergence, maintenance, and differentiation of their TA-cells progeny. We are using genetic approaches to address these issues in an in vivo context. Our recent studies established Notchless (Nle), that is known to be involved in ribosomal pre-RNA maturation and 60S subunit export in yeast, as one of the few genes that are absolutely required for adult hematopoietic stem cell maintenance. We are currently trying to decipher the link between ribosome biogenesis and stem cells self-renewal using three main paradigms: embryonic stem cells, the haematopoietic system and the gut epithelium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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