Overview

• Nature Communications paper demonstrates that ccnd2a and ccndx independently govern stem cell and progenitor cell division in zebrafish neuromasts.
• Targeted knockout of each cyclin D gene stopped proliferation only in its specific support cell type, confirming discrete control of regeneration pathways.
• Introducing the stem cell–specific ccnd2a gene into progenitor cells lacking ccndx restored their division and proper differentiation into new hair cells.
• The study combined single-cell RNA sequencing with genetic editing to map and manipulate gene activity in distinct neuromast support cell populations.
• Researchers are now investigating whether activating similar cyclin D programs in mammalian cells can induce hair cell regeneration for hearing loss therapy while evaluating cancer risk.