Sensory nerve niche regulates mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis via FGF/mTOR/autophagy axis

Sensory nerves are important for tissue homeostasis. Here the authors show that sensory nerves contribute to Mesenchymal stem cell maintenance via FGF1, mTOR signaling and autophagy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside in microenvironments, referred to as niches, which provide structural support and molecular signals. Sensory nerves are niche components in the homeostasis of tissues such as skin, bone marrow and hematopoietic system. However, how the sensory nerve affects the behavior of MSCs remains largely unknown. Here we show that the sensory nerve is vital for mesenchymal tissue homeostasis and maintenance of MSCs in the continuously growing adult mouse incisor. Loss of sensory innervation leads to mesenchymal disorder and a decrease in MSCs. Mechanistically, FGF1 from the sensory nerve directly acts on MSCs by binding to FGFR1 and activates the mTOR/autophagy axis to sustain MSCs. Modulation of mTOR/autophagy restores the MSCs and rescues the mesenchymal tissue disorder of Fgfr1 mutant mice. Collectively, our study provides insights into the role of sensory nerves in the regulation of MSC homeostasis and the mechanism governing it.

Automated summary

Sensory nerves play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through FGF1, mTOR signaling, and autophagy. The sensory nerve is essential for the stability of mesenchymal tissue and the maintenance of MSCs in adult mouse incisors. FGF1 from the sensory nerve directly activates the mTOR/autophagy axis in MSCs via binding to FGFR1.