MSC-like cells are well characterised in mammals, but this study suggests that in salmon, these cells may retain higher pluripotency – meaning they can take on a wider range of regenerative roles © University of Stirling
The research was led by Dr Rose Ruiz Daniels of the University’s Institute of Aquaculture, and uncovers the previously unknown population of stem cells. Published in BMC Biology last month, the study reveals that that fibroblast-like stem cells – known as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) – play a central role in the remodelling phase of wound healing, which is critical for restoring skin integrity following injury.
Using advanced cell profiling technologies (single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics) the researchers examined skin cells during a wound healing time course.
Dr Ruiz Daniels said in a press release: “We found MSCs at both the wound site and in intact skin, suggesting these adult stem cells are a stable and functional part of salmon skin, and likely to be involved in maintaining its barrier and structural properties.
“These cells become more transcriptionally active during the remodelling stage of healing and show signs of differentiating into multiple tissue types including bone and fat.
“This hints at a broader regenerative capacity in fish skin than previously understood, potentially linking repair processes in the skin to those in deeper tissues like muscle, scales, and connective tissue.”
The study also maps the spatial niches of various MSC subclusters, laying the groundwork for future studies aimed at manipulating these cells to improve tissue repair, resilience, and overall fish health.
Dr Ruiz Daniels concludes: “These findings have potentially far-reaching implications for aquaculture. Barrier tissue health is a major challenge in Atlantic salmon farming and a leading cause of mortality in sea cages. There is an urgent need for innovative biotechnological approaches to enhance fish health, as aquaculture also faces mounting challenges from climate change, including heightened disease risks and increased thermal uncertainties.”
Read the full study here.
