Identification of interactive molecules between antler stem cells and dermal papilla cells using an in vitro co-culture system

Deer antlers are the only mammalian organs capable of complete renewal. Antler renewal is a stem cell-based [antler stem cells (ASCs)] process. Maintenance and activation of the ASCs require them to be located in a specialized microenvironment (niche), and to interact with the cells resident in the niche. Based on previous experiments we found that niche of the ASCs is provided by the closely associated enveloping skin, which currently was known includes dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and epidermal cells. Antler generation/regeneration are triggered by the interactions between ASCs and the niche. In the present study, we established an in vitro co-culture system in which ASCs and DPCs, were cultured together to mimic the in vivo state. A MLEFF strategy was adopted to identify the interactive molecules from the co-culture system. In total, 128 molecules were identified and over 60% belonged to exosomes. Important biological processes that were activated by these molecules included osteoblast differentiation, angiogenesis, and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In so doing, we have significantly simplified the process for identifying interactive molecules, which may be the key signals for triggering antler formation/renewal. Further study of these molecules will help us to gain insights into the mechanism of mammalian organ regeneration.