University of Stirling study identifies stem cells involved in Atlantic salmon skin regeneration.
Researchers at the University of Stirling have identified a previously unknown population of stem cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon, offering new insights into wound healing and tissue regeneration that may support efforts to reduce mortality in salmon farming.
The study, published in BMC Biology, was led by Dr Rose Ruiz Daniels of the University’s Institute of Aquaculture and involved collaborators from the Roslin Institute, Nofima, and the University of Prince Edward Island.
Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the team discovered that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) — a type of fibroblast-like adult stem cell — are present both at wound sites and in intact salmon skin. The cells become more transcriptionally active during the remodelling phase of healing and exhibit signs of differentiating into multiple tissue types including bone and fat.
“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,” Dr Ruiz Daniels said.
MSC-like cells are well-characterised in mammals, but the findings suggest that in teleost fish such as salmon, they may retain greater pluripotency. This could indicate a more flexible regenerative capacity in fish skin compared to terrestrial vertebrates.
The study also mapped the spatial organisation of various MSC subclusters, laying the groundwork for future research into manipulating these cells to enhance tissue resilience.
“Barrier tissue health, particularly of the skin and gills, is a major challenge in Atlantic salmon farming and a leading cause of mortality in sea cages,” Dr Ruiz Daniels noted. “By understanding how skin cells remodel and heal tissue, we hope to develop new strategies to enhance tissue integrity and reduce non healing wounds.”
The research comes amid increasing calls for biotechnological innovations in aquaculture to address rising disease risks and climate-related pressures on fish health.