Satellite glia of the adult dorsal root ganglia harbor stem cells that yield glia under physiological conditions and neurons in response to injury

Summary

The presence of putative stem/progenitor cells has been suggested in adult peripheral nervous system (PNS) tissue, including the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). To date, their identification and fate in pathophysiological conditions have not been addressed. Combining multiple in vitro and in vivo approaches, we identified the presence of stem cells in the adult DRG satellite glial population, and progenitors were present in the DRGs and sciatic nerve. Cell-specific transgenic mouse lines highlighted the proliferative potential of DRG stem cells and progenitors in vitro. DRG stem cells had gliogenic and neurogenic potentials, whereas progenitors were essentially gliogenic. Lineage tracing showed that, under physiological conditions, adult DRG stem cells maintained DRG homeostasis by supplying satellite glia. Under pathological conditions, adult DRG stem cells replaced DRG neurons lost to injury in addition of renewing the satellite glial pool. These novel findings open new avenues for development of therapeutic strategies targeting DRG stem cells for PNS disorders.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Adult murine DRGs contain slowly proliferating putative stem cells

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  The putative stem cells are a subpopulation of adult DRG satellite cells

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  Purified adult DRG putative stem cells generate neurons and glia in vitro

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  They are gliogenic in vivo and generate neurons in response to injury

Abstract

Maniglier et al. identified a subpopulation of adult DRG satellite glial cells with stem cell characteristics. These cells proliferate slowly in situ and are specifically identified in the Nestin-CFP mouse line. The purified Nestin-CFP ⁺ population self-expands and generates glia and neurons in vitro. Nestin-based cell fate mapping highlights their gliogenic and neurogenic potential in response to injury.