Scrna-Seq And Histological Analysis Of Lrig1 In Sg Development

LRIG1 is a critical regulator of stem cells, controlling proliferation during development and maintaining quiescence in adult tissues. This study investigated LRIG1 expression patterns and functional roles in developing and mature murine submandibular glands (SMGs). SMGs were collected at various developmental stages and analyzed for LRIG1 expression using qRT-PCR, IF, and RNAscope. scRNA-Seq data revealed LRIG1 expression patterns across cell clusters. Co-localization with KRT14, SMA, and AQP5 was confirmed via double-IF. Potential LRIG1 transcription factors were predicted using JASPAR and UCSC Genome Browser tools. GO enrichment analysis of PN5 scRNA-Seq data clarified LRIG1′s role in SG development. In vitro assays on a human SG cell line assessed LRIG1′s function. RNAscope and IF staining showed LRIG1 expression in murine salivary glands during embryonic and early postnatal stages, mainly in adult gland parenchymal epithelium. qRT-PCR and scRNA-Seq revealed low LRIG1 levels in embryonic glands, peaking at postnatal day 5 (PN5), then declining. Co-IF staining localized LRIG1 to ducts and acini, co-expressed with KRT14+ and SMA+ basal cells. Bioinformatic analysis suggested its functions and interactions with stem cell-related transcription factors. GO analysis and in vitro experiments confirmed LRIG1′s role in inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, highlighting its importance in salivary gland development and homeostasis. This study reveals the dynamic changes in LRIG1 distribution during salivary gland development and highlights its crucial role in both development and homeostasis of mature glands.