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Abstract:
Multiple processes control quiescence of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), which is instrumental to guarantee long-term replenishment of the stem cell pool. Here, we describe that the G-proteins G(12)-G(13) integrate signals from different G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to control MuSC quiescence via activation of RhoA. Comprehensive screening of GPCR ligands identified two MuSC-niche-derived factors, endothelin-3 (ET-3) and neurotensin (NT), which activate G(12)-G(13) signaling in MuSCs. Stimulation with ET-3 or NT prevented MuSC activation, whereas pharmacological inhibition of ET-3 or NT attenuated MuSC quiescence. Inactivation of Gna12-Gna13 or Rhoa but not of Gnaq-Gna11 completely abrogated MuSC quiescence, which depleted the MuSC pool and was associated with accelerated sarcopenia during aging. Expression of constitutively active RhoA prevented exit from quiescence in Gna12-Gna13 mutant MuSCs, inhibiting cell cycle entry and differentiation via Rock and formins without affecting Rac1-dependent MuSC projections, a hallmark of quiescent MuSCs. The study uncovers a critical role of G(12)-G(13) and RhoA signaling for active regulation of MuSC quiescence.
