Unveiling the Metastatic Potential of Vertebral Skeletal Stem Cells
Researchers have discovered a lineage of skeletal stem cells in the vertebral bones that play a crucial role in driving the metastasis of cancer cells to the bone. These skeletal stem cells, identified as Zic1+Zic4+ cells, are responsible for the formation of the vertebral skeleton during development. The study found that these cells can differentiate into osteoblasts, which promote bone formation, as well as into chondrocytes, which contribute to cartilage formation. The researchers also demonstrated that the loss of Zic1 and Zic4 in these cells led to defects in bone development and increased susceptibility to bone metastasis. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and may lead to the development of targeted therapies for preventing or treating this devastating complication of cancer.