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Transdifferentiation of parathyroid cells into cervical thymi promotes atypical T-cell development

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  • Jie Li

    (University of Georgia)

  • Zhijie Liu

    (University of Georgia
    Present address: Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0651, USA)

  • Shiyun Xiao

    (University of Georgia)

  • Nancy R. Manley

    (University of Georgia)

Abstract

The thoracic thymus is the primary vertebrate organ for T-cell generation. Accessory cervical thymi have also been identified in humans and mice, and shown in mice to be independent functional organs that support T-cell development. However, their origin and functional significance remain unclear. Here we show that cervical thymi in mice have following two origins: delayed differentiation of endodermal precursors and transdifferentiation of parathyroid-fated cells. Compared with thoracic thymus, parathyroid-origin cervical thymi (pCT) express low levels of the thymic epithelial cell-specific transcription factor FOXN1. Consequently, pCT form a distinct microenvironment that supports an atypical thymocyte development pathway, generating T cells with unconventional phenotypic characteristics. Our data demonstrate a transdifferentiation origin for a subset of cervical thymi, with specific functional consequences for T-cell development.

Suggested Citation

  • Jie Li & Zhijie Liu & Shiyun Xiao & Nancy R. Manley, 2013. "Transdifferentiation of parathyroid cells into cervical thymi promotes atypical T-cell development," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3959
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3959
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